


Jv^uc^ 




I*rice Oents. 



OT-H ELLO 

THE MOOR OF VENICE. 



-BY 



WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. 

It 






NEW YORK: 

Tribune Building. 
1882. 



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■fAv 



OTH E LLO, 

THE MOOR OF VENICE. 



OTHELLO, THE MOOE OF VENICE. 



DEAMATIS PERSONS. 

Duke of Yenice. Clown, servact to Othello. 
Brabantio, a senator. 

Other Senators. Desdemona. daughter to Brahan- 

Gratiano, brother to Brabantio. tio and wife to Othello. 

LoDovico, kinsman to Brabantio. Emilia, wife to la go. 

Othello, a noble Moor in the ser- Bianca, mistress to Cassio. 

vice of the Venetian state. 

Cassio, his lieutenant. Sailor, Messenger, Herald, Of- 

Iago, his ancient. fleers. Gentlemen, Musicians, 

RoDERiGo, a Venetian gentleman. and Attendants. 
MoNTANo, Othello's predecessor 

in the government of Cyprus. 

Scene: Venice: a iSea-pori in Cyprus. 

ACT I. 

Scene I. Venice. A street. 
Enter Roderigo and Iago. 

Rod. Tnsli? never tell me; I take it much unkindly 
That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse 
As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this. 

Iago. 'Sblood, but you will not hear me: 
If ever I did dream of such a matter. 
Abhor me. • 

Rod. Thou told'st me thou didst hold him in thy liate. 

Iago. Despise me, if I do not. Three great ones of the 
city. 
In personal suit to make me his lieutenant, 
Off-capp'd to him: and, by the faith of man, 10 

I know m}^ price, I am worth no worse a place: 
But he, as loving his own pride and purposes. 
Evades them, with a bombast circumstance 
Horribly stuff 'd with epithets of war; 
And, in conchision, 

Nonsuits my mediators; for, " Certes," says he, 
"I have alrga^rt^pkgQ-my officer. " 

Engineers School tiliy. . ; 



SCENE l] OTHELLO. 433 

And what was lie ? 

Forsooth, a great arithmetician. 

One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, 30 

f A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife; 

That never set a squadron in the field, 

Nor the division of a battle knows 

More than a spinster; unless the bookish theorie, 

Wherein the toged consuls can propose 

As masterly as he: mere prattle, without practice, 

Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had the election: 

And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof 

At Rhodes, at Cjqjrus and on other grounds 

Christian and heathen, must be be-lee'd and calm'd 30 

By debitor, and creditor: this counter-caster. 

He, in good time, must his lieutenant be. 

And I — (xod bless the mark ! — his Moorship's ancient. 

Rod. By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman. 

lago. Why, there's no remedy; 'tis the curse of service, 
Preferment goes by letter and affection. 
And not by old gradation, where each second 
Stood heir to the first. Now, sir, be judge yourself, 
Whether I in any just term am affined 
To love the Moor. 

Rod. I would not follow him then. 4(> 

lago. O, sir, content you: 
I follow him to serve my turn upon him: 
We cannot all be masters, nor all masters 
Cannot be truly follow'd. You shall mart 
Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave. 
That, doting on his own obsequious bondage, 
Wears out his time, much like his master's ass, 
For nought but provender, and when he's old, cashier'd: 
Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are 
Who, trimm'd in forms and visages of duty, 50 

Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves, 
And, throwing but shows of service on their lords. 
Do well thrive by them and when they have lined their 

coats 
Do themselves homage: these fellows have some soul; 
And such a one do I profess myself. For, sir, 
It is as sure as you are Roderigo, 
Were I the Moor, I would not be lago: 
In following him, I follow but mj-self ; 
Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, 
But seeming so, for my peculiar end : 60 

For when my outward action doth demonstrate 
The native act and figure of my heart 



436 OTHELLO. [act i. 

In compliment extern, 'tis not long after 
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve 
For daws to peck at: I am not wiiat I am. 

Rod. What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe. 
If he can carry't thus ! 

lago. Call up her father, 

Rouse him: make after him, poison his delight, 
Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen. 
And, though he in a fertile climate dwell, 70 

Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy. 
Yet throw such changes of vexation on't, 
As it may lose some colour. 

Rod. Here is her father's house; I'll call aloud. 

lago. Do, with like timorous accent and dire. yell 
As when, by night and negligence, the fire 
Is spied in populous cities. 

Rod. What, ho, Brabantio! Signior Brabantio, ho? 

lago. Awake! what, ho, Brabantio! thieves! thieves! 
thieves! 
Look to your house, your daughter and your bags! 80 

Thieves! thieves! 

Brabantio appears alo^e, at a window. 

Bra. What is the reason of this terrible summons? 
What is the matter there? 

Rod. Signior, is all your family within? 

lago. Are your doors lock'd? 

Bra. Why, wherefore ask you this? 

lago. 'Zounds, sir, you're robb'd; for shame, put on your 
gown; 
Your heart is burst, you have lost half j^our soul ; 
Even now, now, very now, an old black ram 
Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise; 
Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, 90 

Or else the devil will make a grandsire of j'our 
Arise, I say. 

Bra. What, have you lost your wits? 

Rod. Most reverend signior, do you know my voice? 

Bra. Not I: what are you? 

Rod. My name is Roderigo. 

Bra. The worser welcome: 

I have charged thee not to haunt about my doors: 
In honest plainness thou hast heard me say 
My daughter is not for thee; and now, in madness. 
Being full of supper and distempering draughts. 
Upon malicious bravery, dost thoii come 100 

To start my quiet. 



SCENE I.] OTHELLO. 437 

Rod. Sir, sir, sir, — 

Bra. But thou must needs be sure 

My spirit and mj place have in them power 
To make this bitter to thee. 

Bod. Patience, good sir. 

Bra. Wliat tell'st tliou me of robbing? this is Venice; 
My house is hot a grange. 

Rod. Most brave Brabantio, 

In simple and pure soul I come to you. 

lago. 'Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not 
serve God, if the devil bid you. Because we come to do 
you service and you think we are ruflBans, j^ou'll have 3'our 
daughter covered with a Barbarj^ horse; you'll have your 
nephews neigh to you; you'll have coursers for cousins 
and gennets for germans. 

Bra. What profane wretch art thou? 

lago. I am oue, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter 
and the Moor are now making the beast wdth two backs. 

Bra. Thou art a villain. 

lago. You are — a senator. 119 

Bra. This thou shalt answer; I know thee, Roderigo. 

Rod. Sir, I will answer any thing. But, I beseech you, 
If t be your pleasure and most wise consent, 
As partly I tind it is, that your fair daughter. 
At this odd-even and dull watch o' the night. 
Transported, with no w^orse nor better guard 
But with a knave of common hire, a gondolier. 
To the gross clasps of a lascivious Moor, — 
If this be known to j^ou and your allowance. 
We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs; 
But if you know not ttris, my manners tell me 130 

We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe 
That, from the sense of all civility, 
I thus would play and trifle with your reverence: 
Your daughter, if you have not given her leave, 
I say again, hath made a gross revolt ; 
Tying her duty, beauty, wit and fortunes 
In an extravagant and wheeling stranger 
Of here and every where. Straight satisfy yourself: 
If she be in her chamber or yom-~^house, 
Let loose on me the justice of the state 140 

For thus deluding you. 

Bra. Strike on the tinder, ho! 

Give me a taper! call up all my people! 
This accident is not unlike my dream: 
Belief of it oppresses me already. 
Light, I say! light! [Exit above. 



488 OTHELLO. [act i. 

lago. Farewell ; for I must leave you - 

It seems not meet, nor wholesome to my place, 
To be produced — as, if I stay, I shall — 
Against the Moor: for, I do know, the state, 
However this may gall him with some check, ■ 
Cannot with safety cast him, for he's embark'd 150 

With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars, 
Which even now stand in act, that, for their souls. 
Another of his fathom they have none, 
To lead their business: in which regard, 
Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains. 
Yet, for necessity of present life, 
I must show out a flag and sign of love. 
Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely find him. 
Lead to the Sagittary the raised search; 
And there will I be with him. So, farewell. \_ExU. 160 

Enter, helow, Brabaktio, and Servants loitli torclies. 

Bra. It is too true an evil: gone she is; 
And what's to come of my despised time 
Is nought but bitterness. Now, Roderigo, 
Where didst thou see her? O unhap]jy girl! 
With the Moor, say'st thou? Who would be a father! 
How didst thou know 'twas she? O, she deceives me 
Past thought! What said she to you? Get more tapers: 
Raise all my kindred. Are they married, think you? 

Rod. Truly, I think they are. 

Bra. O heaven! How got she out? O treason of the 
blood! ^ . 1?0 

Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds 
By what you see them act. Is there not charms 
By which the property of youth and maidhood 
May be abused? Have you not read, Eoderigo, 
Of some such thing? 

Rod. Yes, sir, I have indeed. 

Bra. Call up my brother. O, w^ould you had hadherl 
Some one way, some another. Do you know 
Where we may apprehend her and the Moor? 

Rod. I think I can discover him, if you please 
To get good guard and go along with me. 180 

Bra. Pray you, lead on. At every house I'll call; 
I may command at most. Get weapons, ho! 
And raise some special officers of night. 
On, good Roderigo : I'll deserve your pains. [Exeunt 



(6CENE II.] OTHELLO. 439 

Scene II. Another street. 
Enter Othello, Iago, and Attendants icitli torclies, 

lago. Thoiigli in the trade of war I have slain men, 
Yet do I hold it very stuff o' the conscience 
To do no contrived murder: I lack iniquity 
Sometimes to do me service : nine or ten times 
I had thought to have yerk'd him here under the ribs. 

0th. 'Tis better as it^is. 

lago. Nay, but he prated. 

And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms 
Against your honour 
That, with the little godliness I have, 
I did full hard forbear him. Bu^, I pray you, sir, 10 

Are you fast married? Be assured of this, 
That the maguifico is much beloved. 
And hath in his effect a voice potential 
As double as the duke's: he will divorce you; 
Or put upon you what restraint and grievance 
The law, with all his might to enforce it on, 
Will give him cable. 

0th. Let him do his spite : 

My services which I have done the signiory 
Shall out-tongue his complaints. 'Tis yet to know,— 
Which, when I know that boasting is an honom-, 20 

I shall promulgate — I fetch my life and being 
From men of ro3'al siege, and my demerits 
May speak unbonueted to as proud a fortune 
As this that I have reach'd : for know, lago, 
But that I love the gentle Desdemona, 
I would not my unhoused free condition 
Put into circumscription and confine 
For the sea's worth. But, look! what lights come yond? 

lago. Those are the raised father and his friends : 
You were best go in. 

0th. Not I ; I must be found r 

My parts, my title and my perfect soul . 
Shall manife"st me rightl}^ Is it they? 

lago. By Janus, I think no. 

Enter Cassio, and certain Officers icith torches. 

0th. The servants of the duke, and my lieutenant. 
The goodness of the night upon you, friends ! 
What is the news? 

Oas. The duke does greet you, general, 

And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance, 
Even on the instant. 



440 OTHELLO. [act i. 

0th. What is the matter, think you? 

Gas. Somethin.^ from Cyprus, as I may divine: 
It is a business of some heat: the galleys 40 

Have sent a dozen sequent messengers 
This very night at one another's heels. 
And many of the consuls, raised and met, 
Are at the duke's already: you have been hotly call'd for; 
AVhen, being not at your lodging to be found, 
The senate hath sent about three several quests 
To search you out. 

0th. " 'Tis well 1 am found by you, 

I will but spend a word here in the house, 
And go with you. [Exit. 

Gas. Ancient, what makes he here? 

lago. 'Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land carac!'. : 50 
If it prove lawful prize, he's made for ever. 

Gas. I do not understand. 

lago. He's married. 

Gas. To who? 

Re-enter Othello. 

la^jo. Marry, to — Come, captain, will you go? 
0th. Have with you. 

Gas. Here comes another troop to seek for you. 
lago. It is Brabantio. General, be advised; 
He comes to bad intent. 

Enter Brabantio, Roderigo, and Officers with toi^ches and 

weapons. 

0th. Holla! stand there! 

Rod. Signior, it is the Moor. 

Bra. Down with him, thief! 

{They draic on both sides. 

lago. You, Roderigo! come, sir, I am for you. 

0th. Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust 
them. 
Good signior, you shall more command with years 60 

Than with your weapons. 

Bra. O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my 
daughter? 
Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her; 
For I'll refer me to all things of sense. 
If she in chains of magic were not bound, 
Whether a maid so tender, fair and happy, 
So opposite to marriage that she shunn'd 
The wealthy curled darlings of our nation, 
Would ever have, to incur'a general mock. 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 441 

Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom 70 

Of such a thing as thou, to fear, not to delight. 

Judge rae the world, if 'tis not gross in sense 

That thou hast practised on her with foul charms, 

Abused her delicate youth with drugs or minerals 

That weaken motion: I'll have't disputed on; 

'Tis probable and palpable to thinking. 

I therefore apprehend and do attach thee 

For an abuser of the world, a practiser 

Of arts inhibited and out of warrant. 

Lay hold upon him . if he do resist, 80 

Subdue him at his peril. 

0th. Hold your hands, 

Both you of my inclining, and the rest: 
Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it 
Without a prompter. Where will you that I go 
To answer this your charge? 

Bra. To prison, till fit time 

Of law and course of direct session 
Call thee to answer. 

0th. What if I do obey? 

How may the duke be therewith satisfied, 
Whose messengers are here about my side. 
Upon some present business of the state 90 

To bring me to him? 

First Off. Tis true, most worthy signior; 

The duke's in council, and your noble self, 
I am sure, is sent for. 

Bra. How! the duke in council! 

In this time of the night! Bring him away: 
Mine's not an idle cause: the duke himself. 
Or any of my brothers of the state, 
Cannot but feel this wrong as 'twere their own; 
For if such actions may have passage free, 
Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be. 

\^Exeiint 

Scene III. A council-cliairiber. 

The Duke and Senators sitting at a table; Officers attending 

Duke, 'i'here is no composition in these news 
That gives them credit. 

First Sen. Indeed, they are disproportion'd; 
My letters say a hundred and seven galleys. 

Duke. And mine, a hundred and forty. 

Sec. Sen. And mine, two hundred' 

But though they jump not on a just account,— 



442 OTHELLO. [act i. 

As in these cases, M^here the aim reports, 

'Tis oft with difference — yet do they all confirm 

A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus. 

BuJie. Nay, it is possible enough to judgement: 
I do not so secure me in the error, 10 

But the main article I do approve 
In fearful sense. 

Sailor. [ WttJiin'] What, ho ! wliat, ho ! what, ho ! 

Fii'd Off. A messenger from the galleys. 

Enter a Sailor. 

Duke. Now, what's the business? 

Sail. Tlie Turkish preparation makes for Eliodes; 
So was I bid report liere to tlie state 
By Siguier Angelo. 

Duke. How say you by this change? 

First Sen. This cannot be, 

By no assay of reason: 'tis a pageant. 
To l^eep us in false gaze. When we consider 
The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk, 20 

And let ourselves again but understand, 
Tliat as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes, 
So may he with more facile question bear it, 
For that it stands not in such warlike brace, 
But altogether lacks the abilities 

That Rhodes is dress'd in : if we make thouglit of this, 
We must not think the Turk is so unskilful 
To leave that latest wdiich concerns him first. 
Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain. 
To wake and wage a danger profitless. 30 

DuJce. Nay, in all confidence, he's not for Rhodes. 

First Off. Here is more news. 

Enter a Messenger. 

I Mess. The Ottomites, reverend and gracious. 
Steering with due course towards the isle of Rliodes, 
Have there injointed them with an after fleet. 

First Sen. Ay, so I thought. How many, as you guess? 

Mess. Of thirt}^ sail : and now they do re-stem 
Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance 
Their purposes toward Cyprus. Siguier Montano, 
Your trusty and most valiant servitor, 40 

With his free duty recommends you thus, 
And prays you to believe him. 

Duke. 'Tis certain, then, for Cyprus. 
Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town? 

First Sen. He's now in Florence. 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 443 

DuJce. Write from us to him; post-post-liaste dispatch. 
First Sen. Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor. 

Enter Brabantio, Othello, Iago, Roderigo, and Oificers. 

Duke. Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you 
Against the general enemy Ottoman. 

[2o> Brabantio] I did not see you; welcome, gentle signior; 
We lack'd your counsel and your help to-night. 51 

Bra. So did I yours. Good j^our grace, pardon me ; 
Neither my place nor aught I heard of business 
Hath raised me from my bed, nor doth the general care 
Take hold on me, for m}^ particular grief 
Is of so flood-gate and o'erbearing nature 
Tliat it engluts and swallows other sorrows 
And it is still itself. 

Duke. Why, what's the matter? 

Bra. ]My daughter! O, mj'- daughter! 

Duke and Sen. Dead? 

Bra. Ay, to me; 

She is abused, stol'n from me, and corrupted 60 

By spells and medicines bought of mountebanks; 
For nature so preposterously to err. 
Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense, 
Sans witchcraft could not. 

Duke. Whoe'er he be that in this foul proceeding 
Hath thus beguiled your daughter of herself 
And you of her, the'^bloody book of law • 
You shall yourself read in the bitter letter 
After your own sense, j^ea, though our proper son 
Stood in your action. 

Bra. Humbly I thank your grace. 70 

Here is the man, this Moor, whom now, it seems, 
Your special mandate for the state-affairs 
Hath hither brought. 

Duke and Sen. We are very sorry for't. 

Duke. [To Othello'] What, in your own pai't, can you say 
to this? 

Bra. Kothing, but this is so. 

Ot7i. Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors. 
My very noble and approved good masters. 
That J, have ta'en away this old man's daughter. 
It is most true; true, I have married her: 
The very head and front of my offending 80 

Hath this extent, no more. Rude am I in my speech, 
And little bless'd with the soft phrase of peace: 
For since these arms of mine had seven years' pith. 
Till PLOW some nine moons wasted, they have used 



444 OTHELLO. [act i. 

Their dearest action in the tented field, 

And little of this great world can I speak, 

More than pertains to feats of broil and battle, 

And therefore little shall I grace my cause 

In speaking for myself. Yet, by your gracious patience, 

I will a round unvarnish'd tale deliver 90 

Of my whole course of love; what drugs, what charms, 

"What conjuration and what mighty magic, 

For such proceeding I am charged withal, 

I won his daughter. 

Bra. A maiden never bold ; 

Of spirit so still and quiet, that her motion 
Blush'd at herself; and she, in spite of nature, 
Of years, of country, credit, every thing. 
To fall in love with what she fear'd to look on! 
It is a judgement maim'd and most imperfect 
That will confess perfection so could err 100 

Against all rules of nature, and must be driven 
To find out practices of cunning hell. 
Why this should be. I therefore vouch again 
That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood, 
Or with some dram conjured to this effect, 
He wrought upon her. 

Duke. To vouch this, is no proof. 

Without more wider and more overt test 
Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods 
Of modern seeming do prefer against him. 

First Sen. BmI, OilieWo, ^\:)G.2l^: 110 

Did you by indirect and forced courses 
Subdue and poison this j^oung maid's affections? 
Or came it by request and such fair question 
As soul to soul affordeth? 

0th. I do beseech you, 

Send for the lady to the Sagittary, 
And let her speak of me before her father: 
If you do find me foul in her report, 
The trust, the oifice I do hold of you. 
Not only take away, but let your sentence 
Even fall upon my life. 

Duke. Fetch Desdemona hither, 120 

0th. Ancient, conduct them : you best know the place. 
[Exeunt lago and Attendants. 
And, till she come, as truly as to heaven 
I do confess the vices of my blood. 
So justly to your grave ears I'll present 
How I did thrive in this fair lady's love, 
And she in mine. 



SCEXE III.] OTHELLO. 445 

Buke. Say it, Othello. 

0th, Her father loved me; oft invited me; 
Stiil question'd me the stor}^ of my life, 
From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes, 130 

That I have pass'd. 

I ran it through, even from my boyish days. 
To the very moment that he bade me tell it ; 
Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances, 
Of moving accidents by flood and field. 
Of hair-breadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach, 
Of being taken by the insolent foe 
And sold to slavery, of my redemption thence 
And portance in my travels' history: 

Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle, 140 

Rough quarries, rocks and hills whose heads touch heaven, 
It was my hint to spealc, — such was the process; 
And of the Cannibals that-each other eat, 
The Anthropophagi and men whose lieads 
Do grow beneath their shoulders. This to hear 
Would Desdemona seriously incline: 
But still the house-affairs would draw her thence: 
Which ever as she could with haste dispatch, 
She'ld come again, and Mdth a greedy ear 
Devour up my discourse: which I observing, loO 

Took once a pliant hour, and found good means 
To draw from her a prayer of earnest heart 
That I would all my pilgrimage dilate. 
Whereof by parcels she had something heard. 
But not iutentively . I did consent, 
And often did beguile her of her tears. 
When I did speak of some distressful stroke 
Tliat my youth suffer'd. My story being done, 
She gave me for my pains a world of sighs : 
She swore, in faith, 'twas sti'ange, 'twas passing strarsge, 
'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful: 161 

She wish'd she had not heard it, yet she wisli'd 
That heaven had made her such a man: she thank'd ms, 
And bade me, if I had a friend that loved her, 
I should but teach liim how to tell my story, 
And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spake: 
She loved me for the dangers I liad pass'd. 
And I loved her that she did pity them. 
This only is tlie witclicraft I have used; 
Here comes tlie lady; let her witness it. 170 

Enter Desdemona, Iago, and Attendants. 

Buke. I think this tale w^ould win my daughter too. 



446 OTHELLO. [act l 

Good Brabantio, 

Take up this mangled matter at the hest: 
Men do their broken weapons rather use 
Than their bare hands. 

Bra. I pray jon, hear her speak : 

If she confess that she was half the wooer, 
Destruction on my head, if my bad blame 
Light on the man! Come hither, gentle mistress: 
Do you perceive in all this noble company 
Where most you owe obedience? 

Bes. My noble father, 180 

I do perceive here a divided duty : 
To you I am bound for life and education ; 
My life and education both do learn me 
How to respect you; you are the lord of duty; 
I am hitherto your daughter : but here's my husband. 
And so much duty as my mother show'd 
To you, preferring you before her father, 
So much I challenge that I may profess 
Due to the Moor my lord. 

Bra. ' God be wi' you ! I have done. 

Please it your grace, on to the state affairs: 190 

I had rather to adopt a child than get it. 
Come hither, Moor: 

I here do give thee that with all my heart 
Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart 
I would keep from thee. For your sake, jewel, 
I am glad at soul I have no other child; 
For thy escape would teach me tyranny, 
To hang clogs on them. I have done, my lord. 

Duke. Let me speak like yourself, and lay a sentence, 
Which, as a grise or step, may help these lovers 200 

Into your favour. 

When remedies are past, the griefs are ended 
By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended. 
To mourn a mischief that is past and gone 
Is the next way to draw new mischief on. 
What cannot be preserved when fortune takes 
Patience her injury a mockery makes. 
The robb'd that smiles steals something from the thief; 
He robs himself that spends a bootless grief. 

Bra. So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile; 210 

We lose it not, so long as we can smile. 
He bears the sentence well that nothing bears 
But the free comfort which from thence he hears. 
But he hears both the sentence and the sorrow 
That, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow. 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 447 

These sentences, to sugar, or to gall, 

Beiag strong on both sides, are equivocal: 

But words are words ; I never yet did hear 

That the bruised heart was pierced through the ear. 

I humbly beseech you, proceed to the affairs of state. 220 

Duhe. The Turk with a most might}' preparation makes 
for Cyprus. Othello, the fortitude of the place is best 
known to you; and though we have there a substitute of 
most allowed sufficiency, yet opinion, a sovereign mistress 
of effects, throws a more safer voice on you ; you must 
therefore be content to slubber the gloss of your new for- 
tunes with this more stubborn and boisterous expedition. 

0th. The tyrant custom, most grave senator*^, 230 

Hath made the flinty and steel couch of war 
My thrice-driven bed of down; I do agnize 
A natural and prompt alacrity 
1 find in hardness, and do undertake 
These present wars against the Ottomites. 
Most humbly therefore bending to your state, 
I crave fit disposition for my wife, 
Due reference of place and exhibition, 
With such accommodation and besort 
As levels with her breeding. 

Duke. If you please, 240 

Be 't at her father's. 

Bra. I'll not have it so. 

0th. Nor I. 

Des. Kor I; I would not there reside, 

To put my father in impatient thoughts 
B}' being in his eye. Most gracious duke, 
To my unfolding lend your prosperous ear; 
And let me find a charter in your voice, 
To assist my simpleuess. 

Duke. What would you, Desdemona? 

Des. That I did love the Moor to live with him, 
My downright violence and storm of fortunes 250 

May trumpet to the world: my heart's subdued 
Even to the very qnalit}'" of my lord : 
I saw Othello's visage in his mind, 
And to his honours and his valiant parts 
Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate. 
So that, dear lords, if I be left behind, 
A moth of peace, and he go to the war, 
The rites for which I love him are bereft me, 
And I a heavy interim shall support 
By his dear absence. Let me go with him, 2G0 

0th. Let her have your voices. 



448 OTHELLO. [act l 

Vouch with me, heaven, I therefore beg it not, 

To please the palate of my appetite, 

Nor to comply with heat — the young affects 

In me defunct — and proper satisfaction, 

But to be free and bounteous to her mind: 

And heaven defend your good souls, that you think 

I will your serious and great business scant 

For she is with me: no, when light-wing'd toys 

Of feather'd Cupid seel with wanton dullness 270 

My speculative and officed instruments. 

That my disports corrupt and taint my business. 

Let housewives make a skillet of my helm, 

And all indign and base adversities 

Make head against my estimation! 

Duke. Be it as you shall privately determine, 
Either for her stay or going: the affair cries haste, 
And speed must answer it. 

First Sen. You must away to-night. 

0th. With all my heart. 

Duke. At nine i' the morning here we'll meet again. 280 
Othello, leave some officer behind. 
And he shall our commission bring to you; 
With such things else of quality and respect 
As doth import you. 

0th. So please your grace, my ancient: 

A man he is of honesty and trust: 
To his conveyance I assign my wife, 
With what else needful your good grace shall think 
To be sent after me. 

Duke. Let it be so. 

Good night to every one. \^To Brdb.'] And, noble signior, 
If virtue no delighted beauty lack, 290 

Your son-in-law is far more fair than black. 

First Sen. Adieu, brave Moor; use Desdemona w^ell. 

Bra. Look to her. Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: 
She has deceived her father, and may thee 

[Exeunt Duke, Senators, Officers, &c. 

0th. My life upon her faith! Honest lago. 
My Desdemona must I leave to thee: 
I prithee, let thy wife attend on her: 
And bring them after in the best advantage. 
Come, Desdemona; I have but an hour 
Of love, of worldly matters and direction, 300 

To spend with thee: we must obey the time. 

\_Exeunt Othello and Desdemona. 

Rod. lago, — 

lago. What say'st thou, noble heart? 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 449 

Bod. What will I do, thinkest thou? 

lago. Why, go to bed, and sleep. 

Bod. I will iucontinentl}^ drown myself. 

lago. If thou dost, I shall never love thee after. Why, 
thou silly gentleman. 

Bod. It is silliness to livfe when to live is torment; and 
then have we a prescription to die when death is our physi- 
cian. 311 

lago. O villanous! I have looked upon the world for 
four times seven years; and since I could distinguish 
betwixt, a benefit and an injury, I never found man that 
knew how to love himself. Ere I would say, I would 
drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change 
my humanity with a baboon. 

Bod. What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be 
so fond ; but it is not in my virtue to amend it. 321 

lago. Virtue! a fig! 'tis in ourselves that we are thus or 
thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills 
are gardeners ; so that if we will plant nettles, or sow let- 
tuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme, supply it with one 
gender of herbs, or distract it with many, either to have it 
sterile with idleness, or manured with industry, why, the 
power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills. If 
the balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise 
another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our na- 
tures would conduct us to most preposterous conclusions- 
but we have' reason to cool our raging motions, our carnal 
stings, our uubitted lusts, whereof I take this that you call 
love to be a sect or scion. 

Bod. It cannot be. 

lago. It is merely a lust of the blood and a permission of 
the will. Come, be a man. Drown thyself! drown cats 
and blind puppies. I have professed me thy friend and I 
confess me knit to thy deserving with cables of perdurable 
toughness; I could never better stead thee than now. Put 
mone}'' in thy purse; follow thou the wars; defeat thy fa- 
vour with an usurped beard; I say, put money in thy 
purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue 
her love to the Moor, — put money in thy purse, — nor he his 
to her: it was a violent commencement, and thou shalt see 
an answerable sequestration; — put but money in thy purse. 
These Moors are changeable in their wills : — fill thy purse 
with money: — the food that to him now is as luscious as 
locusts, shall be to him shortly as bitter as coloquintida. 
She must change for youth: when she is sated with his 
body, she will find the error of her choice: she must have 
change, she must: therefore put money in thy purse. If 

SHAK. Til. — 15 



450 OTHELLO. [act i. 

thou wilt needs damn thyself, do it a more delicate way 
than drowning. Make all the money thou canst: if sanc- 
timony and a frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and a 
supersubtle Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all 
the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her; therefore make 
money. A pox of drowning ^hyself ! it is clean out of the 
way: seek thou rather to be hanged in compassing thy joy 
than to be drowned and go without her. 

Bod. Wilt thou be fast to my hopes, if I depend on the 
issue? 370 

lago. Thou art sure of me: — go, make money: — I have 
told thee often, and I re-tell thee again and again, I hate 
the Moor: my cause is hearted; thine hath no less reason. 
Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him; if thou 
canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a 
sport. There are many events in the womb of time which 
will be delivered. Traverse ! go, provide thy money. We 
will have more of this to-morrow. Adieu. 380 

Eod. Where shall we meet i' the morning? 

lago. At my lodging. 

Bod. I'll be with thee betimes. 

lago. Go to; farewell. Do you hear, Roderigo? 

Bod. What say you? 

lago. No more of drowning, do you hear? 

Bod. I am changed: I'll go sell all my land. [Exit. 

lago. Thus do I ever make my fool my purse: 
For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane. 
If I would time expend with such a snipe, 
But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor; 
And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt mj sheets 
He has done my office: I know not if't be true; 
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, 
Will do as if for surety. He holds me w^ell; 
The better shall my purpose work on him. 
Cassio's a proper man: let me see now: 
To get his place and to plimie up my will 
In double knavery — How, hov*^? — Let's see:— • 400 

After some time, to abuse Othello's ear 
That he is too familiar with his wife. 
He hath a person and a smooth dispose 
To be suspected, framed to make women false. 
The Moor is of a free and open nature, 
That tliinks men honest that but seem to be so. 
And will as tenderly be led by the nose 
As asses are. 

I have't. It is engender'd. Hell and night 
Must bring this monstrous birth to tlie Avorld's light. 410 

\E.vit. 



SCENE I.] OTHELLO. 451 



ACT IL 

Scene L A Sea-port in Ci/i^rtcs. Aii open place near the 
quay. 

Enter Montano and two Gentlemen. 

Mon. What from the cape can you discern at sea? 

First Oeiit. Nothing at all: it is a high- wrought flood; 
I cannot, 'twixt the heaven and the main, 
Descry a sail. 

3Ion. Methinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land; 
A fuller blast ne'er shook our battlements: 
If it hath ruffian'd so upon the sea, . 
What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them, 
Can hold the mortise? What shall we hear of this? 

Sec. Gent. A segregation of the Turkish fleet: 10 

For do but stand upon the foaming shore, 
The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds; 
The wind-shaked surge, with lii^^h and monstrous mane, 
Seems to cast water on the burning bear, 
And quench the guards of the ever-fix'd pole: 
I never did like molestation view 
On the enchafed flood. 

Mon. If that the Turkish fleet 

Be not enshelter'd and embay'd, they are drown'd; 
It is impossible they bear it out. 

Enter a third Gentleman. 

Third Gent. News, lads! our wars are done. 20 

The desperate tempest hath so bang'd the Turks, 
That their designment halts: a noble ship of Venice 
Hath seen a grievous wreck and sufferance 
On most part of their fleet. 

Mon. How! is this true? 

Third Gent. The ship is here put in, 

A Veronesa; Michael Cassio, 
Lieutenant to the warlike Moor Othello, 
Is come on shore: the Moor liimself at sea, 
And is in full commission here for Cyprus. 

Mon. lamgladou't; 'tis a worthy governor. 30 

Third Gent. But this same Cassio, though he speak cf 
comfort 
Touching the Turkish loss, yet he looks sadly, 
And prays the Moor be safe; for they were parted 
With foul and violent tempest. 

Mon. Prav heavens he be; 



453 OTHELLO. [act il 

For I have served him, and the man commands 
Like a full soldier. Let's to the seaside, ho! 
As well to see the vessel that's come in 
As to throw out our eyes for brave Othello, 
Even till we make the main and the aerial blue 
An indistinct regard. 

Third Gent. Come, let's do so : 40 

For every minute is expectancy 
Of more arrivance. 

Enter Cassio. 

Cas. Thanks, you the valiant of this warlike isle, 
That so approve '^the Moor! O, let the heavens 
Give him defence against the elements. 
For I have lost him on a dangerous sea. 

Moil. Is he well shipp'd? 

Cas. His bark is stoutly timber'd, and his pilot 
Of very expert and approved allowance; 
Therefore my hopes, not surfeited to death, 50 

Stand in bold cure. 

[A cry within " A sail, a sail, a sail!" 

Enter a fourth Gentleman. 

Ccm. "What noise? 

Fourth Oeiit. The town is empty; on the brow o' tlie sea 
Stand ranks of people, and they cry "A sail! " 

Cas. My hopes do shape him for the governor. 

\Cuns heard. 

Sec. Gent. They do discharge their shot of courtesy: 
Our friends at least. 

Cas. I pray you, sir, go forth, 

And give us truth who 'tis that is arrived. 

Sec. Gent. I shall. ^ {^Exit. 

Moil. But, good lieutenant, is your general wived? 60 

Cas. Most fortunately: he hath achieved a maid 
That paragons description and wild fame ; 
One that excels the quirks of blazoning pens, 
And in the essential vesture of creation 
Does tire the ingener. 

Re-enter second Gentleman. 

How now! who has put in? 

Sec. Gent. 'Tis one lago, ancient to the general. 

Cas. Has had most favourable and happy speed: 
Tempests themselves, high seas and howling winds, 
Tlie gutter'd rocks and congregated sands, — 
Traitors ensteep'd to clog the guiltless ke^sl, — 70 



SCENE I.] OTHELLO. 453 

As having sense of beauty, do omit 
Their mortal natures, letting go safely by 
The divine Desdemona. 

Mon. What is she? 

Cas. She that I spake of, our great captain's captain, 
Left in the conduct of the bold lago, 
Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts 
A se'nnight's speed. G-reat Jove, Othello guard, 
And swell his sail with thine own powerful breath, 
That he may bless this bay with his tall ship, 79 

■ Make love's quick pants in Desdemona's arms. 
Give renew'd fire to our extincted spirits, 
And bring all Cyprus comfort ! 

Enter Desdemona, Emilia, Iago, Kodeiiigo, and Atten- 
dants. 

O, behold, 
The riches of the ship is come on shore! 
Ye men of Cyprus, let her have your knees. 
Hail to thee, lady! and the grace of heaven, 
Before, behind thee and on every hand, 
Enwheel thee round! 

Des. I thank you, valiant Cassio. 

What tidings can you tell me of my lord? 

Gas. He is not yet arrived: nor know I aught 
But that he's well and will be shortly here. 90 

Des. O, but I fear — How lost you company? 

Cas. The great contention of the sea and skies 
Parted our fellowship — But, hark ! a sail. 

[^TT^iY7i2?i " A sail, a sail !" Quns heard. 

Sec. Gent. They give their greeting to the citadel: 
This likewise is a friend. 

Cas. See for the news. 

{Exit Gentleman. 
Good ancient, you are welcome. \^To Emilia^ Welcome, 

mistress : 
Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, . 
That I extend my manners; 'tis my breeding 
That gives me this bold show of courtesy. 100 

{^Kissing her. 

Iago. Sir, w^ould she give you so much of her lips 
As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, 
You'ld have enough. 

Des. Alas, she has no speech. 

lago. In faith, too much ; 
I find it still, when I have list to sleep: 
Marry, before your ladyship, I grant, 



454 OTHELLO. [act il 

She puts her tongue a little in her heart, 
And chides with thinking. 

Emil. You have little cause to say so, 

lago. Come on, come on ; you are pictures out of doors^ 
Bells in your parlours, wild-cats in your kitchens, 111 

Saints in your injuries, devils being offended. 
Players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds. 

Des. O, fie upon thee, slanderer! 

lago. Nay, it is true, or else I am a Turk: 
You rise to play and go to bed to work. 

Emil. You shall not write my praise. 

lago. No, let me not. 

Des. What wouldst thou write of me, if thou shouldst 
praise me? 

lago. O gentle lady, do not put me to't; 
For I am nothing, if not critical. 120 

Des. Come on, assay. There's one gone to the harbour? 

lago. Ay, madam. 

Des. I am not merry ; but I do beguile 
The thing I am, by seeming otherwise. 
Come, how wouldst thou praise me? 

Ictgo. I am about it; but indeed my invention 
Comes from my pate as birdlime does from f rize ; 
It plucks out brains and all: but my Muse labours. 
And thus she is deliver'd. 

If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit, 130 

The one's for use, the other useth it. 

Des. Well praised! How if she be black and witty? 

lago. If she be black, and thereto have a wit, 
She'll find a white that shalJ her blackness fit. 

Des. Worse and worse. 

Emil. How if fair and fo( ish? 

lago. She never yet was foolish that was fair; 
For even her folly helped her to an heir, 

Des. These are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh, 
i' the alehouse. What miserable praise hast thou for her 
that's foul and foolish? 141 

lago. There's none so foul and foolish thereunto. 
But does foul pranks which fair and wise ones do. 

Des. O heavy ignorance! thou praisest the w^orst best- 
But what praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving womau 
indeed, one that, in the authority of her merit, did justly 
put on the vouch of very malice itself? 

lago. She that was ever fair and never proud, 
Had tongue at will and yet was never loud, 150 

Never lack'd gold and yet went never gay, 
Fled from her wish and yet said ' ' Now 1 may, " 



sci::Ni: i.] OTHELLO. 455 

She that being an^er'd, her revenge being nigh, 
Bade her wrong stay and her displeasure fly, 
Slie that in wisdom never was so frail 
To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail, 
She that could think and ne'er disclose her mind. 
See suitors following and not look behind, 
She was a wio'ht, if ever such, wight were, — 

Bes. To do^what? 160 

lago. To suckle fools and chronicle small beer. 

Bes. O most lame and impotent conclusion! Do not 
learn of him. Emilia, though he be thy liusbaud. Hpw say 
you, Cassio? is he not a most profane and liberal counsel- 
lor? 

Cas. He speaks home, madam : you may relisli Mm more 
in the soldier than in the scholar. 

lago. [Aside] He takes her by the palm: ay, well said, 
whisper: with as little a web as this will I ensnare as gi'eat 
a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do; I will gyve thcc in 
thine own courtship. You say true; 'tis so, indeed: if such 
tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had 
been better you had not kissed your three fingers so 
oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in 
Verj^good; well kissed! an excellent courtesy! 'tis so, in- 
deed. Yet again your fingers to your lips? would they 
were clyster-pipes for your sake! [Trumpet loithin.'] The 
Moor! I know his trumpet, 180 

Gas. 'Tis.trul}^ so. 

Bes. Let's meet him and recei^ him, 

Cas. Lo, where he comes! 

Enter Othello and Attendants. 

Otli. O my fair warrior! 

Bes. My dear Othello ! 

OtJi. It gives me wonder great as my content 
To see you here before me. O my soul's joy! 
If after every tempest come such calms, 
May the winds blow till they have waken'd death! 
And let the labouring bark climb hills of seas 
Olympus-high and duck again as low ICQ 

As hell's from heaven! If it were now to die, 
'Twere now to be most happy; for, I fear. 
My soul hath her content so jibsolute 
That not another comfort like to this 
Succeeds in unknown fate. 

Bes. The heavens forbid 

But that our loves and comforts should increase, 
Even as our days do grow ! 



456 OTHELLO. [act ii. 

0th. Amen to that, sweet powers ! 

I cannot speak enough of this content; , 
It stops me here ; it is too much of joy : 
And this, and this, the greatest discords be 200 

[Kissing her. 
That e'er our hearts shall make! 

lago. [Aside] O, you are well tuned now! 
But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, 
As honest as I am. 

0th. Come, let us to the castle. 

I^ews, friends; our wars are done, the Turks are drown'd. 
How does my old acquaintance of this isle? 
Honey, you shall be well desired in Cyprus; 
I have found great love amongst them. O my sweet, 
I prattle out of fashion, and I dote * 
In mine own comforts. I pritliee, good lago. 
Go to the bay and disembark my coffers: 210 

Bring thou the master to the citadel; 
He is a good one, and his worthiness 
Does challenge much respect. Come, Desdemona, 
Once more, well met at Cyprus. 

[Exeunt Othello, Desdemona, and Attendants. 

lago. Do thou meet me presently at the harbour. Come 
hither. If thou be'st valiant, — as, they say, base men being 
in love have then a nobility in their natures more than is 
native to them, — list me. The lieutenant to-night watches 
on the court of guard : — ^first, I must tell thee this — Desde- 
mona is directly in love with him. 221 

Bod. With him ! why, 'tis not possible. 

lago. Lay thy finger thus, and let thy soul be instructed. 
Mark me with what violence she first loved the Moor, but 
for bragging and telling her fantastical lies: and will she 
love him still for prating? let not thy discreet heart think 
it. Her eye must be fed ; and what delight shall she have 
to look on the devil? When the blood is made dull Avitli 
the act of sport, there should be, again to inflame it and to 
give satiety a fresh appetite, loveliness in favour, sympathy 
in years, manners and beauties; all which the Moor is 
defective in: now, for want of these required conveniences, 
her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave 
the gorge, disrelish and abhor the Moor; very nature will 
instruct her in it and compel her to some second choice. 
Now, sir, this granted, — as it is a most pregnant and un- 
forced position — who stands so eminent in the degree of 
this fortune as Cassio does? a knave very voluble; no fur- 
ther conscionable than in putting on the mere form of civil 
and humane seeming, for the better compassing of his salt 



SCENE I.] OTHELLO. 457 

and most hidden loose affection? -why, none; why, none: 
a slipper and subtle knave, a finder of occasions, that has 
an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true 
advantage never present itself ; a devilish knave. Besides, 
the knave is handsome, young, and hath all those requisites 
in him that folly and green minds look after: a pestilent 
complete knave; and the w^oman hatli found him already. 

Bod. I cannot believe that in her; she's full of most 
blessed condition. 

lago. Blessed fig's-end! the wine she drinks is made of 
grapes: if she had been blessed, she would never have 
loved the Moor. Blessed pudding! Didst thou not see 
her paddle with the palm of his hand? didst not mark 
that? 260 

Bod. Yes, that I did; but that was but courtesj". 

lago. Lechery, by this hand; an index and obscure pro- 
logue to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They met 
so near with their lips that their breaths embraced together. 
Villanous thoughts, Roderigo! when these mutualities so 
marshal the way, hard at hand comes the master and main 
exercise, the incorporate conclusion. Pish ! But, sir, be you 
ruled by me: I have brought you from Venice. Watch 
you to-night; for the command, I'll lay't upon you. Cassio 
knows you not, I'll not be far from you: do you find 
some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, 
or tainting his discipline; or from what other course you 
please, which the time shall more favourably minister. 

Bod. Well. 

lago. Sir, he is rash and very sudden in choler, and 
haply may strike at you : provoke him, that he may ; for 
even out of that will I cause these of Cj'prus to mutiny; 
whose qualification shall come into no true taste again but 
by the displanting of Cassio. So shall j'^ou have a shorter 
journey to your desires by the means I shall then have to 
prefer them; and the impediment most profitably removed, 
without the which there were no expectation of our pros- 
perity. 

Bod. I will do this, if I can bring it to any opportunity. 

lago. I warrant thee. Meet me by and b}^ at the citadel: 
I must fetch his necessaries ashore. Farewell. 

Bod. Adieu. [Exit. 

lago. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it; 
That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit: 
The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, 
Is of a constant, loving, noble nature, 
And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona 
A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too ; 300 



458 OTHELLO. [act ii. 

Not out of absolute lust, tliough peradventure 

I stand accountant for as great a sin, 

But partly led to diet my revenge, 

For that I do suspect the lusty Moor 

Hath leap'd into my seat; the thought Avhereof 

Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaAV my inwards; 

And nothing can or shall content my soul 

Till I am even'd with him, wife for wife, 

Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor 

At least into a jealousy so strong 310 

That judgement cannot cure. Which thing to do, 

If this poor trash of Venice, whom I trash 

For his quick hunting, stand the putting on, 

I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip. 

Abuse him to the. Moor in the rank garb — 

For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too — 

Make the Moor thank me, love me and reward me, 

For making him egregiously an ass 

And practising upon his peace and quiet 

Even to madness. 'Tis here, but yet confused: 320 

Knavery's plain face is never seen till used. [Kiit. 

Scene II. A street. 
Enter a Herald icitli a 'proclamation; Veo^le following. ■ 

Tier. It is Othello's pleasure, our noble and valiant gen- 
eral, that, upon certain tidings now arrived, importing the 
mere perdition of the Turkish fleet, every man put him- 
self into triumph; some to dance, some to make bonfires, 
each man to wliat sport and revels his addiction leads him: 
for, besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration of liis 
nuptial. So much was his pleasure should be proclaimed. 
All offices are open, and there is full liberty of feasting 
from this present hour of five till the bell have told eleven. 
Heaven bless the isle of Cyprus and our noble_ general 
Othello! [Kveunt. 

SceinE III. xi liall in the castle. 
Enter Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Attendants. 

0th. Good Michael, look you to the guard to-night: 
Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop, 
Not to outsport discretion. 

Cas. lago hath direction w^hat to do ; 
But, notwithstanding, with my personal eye 
Will I leok to't. 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 459 

0th. lago is most lionest. 

jMicliael. good night: to-morrow witli j'our earliest 
Let me have speech with you. [To Desdemonct] Come, my 

dear love, 
The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue; 
That profit's yet to come 'tween me and you. 10 

Good niglit. 

\_Exeunt Otliello, Besdemona, and Attendants. 

Enter Iago. 

Gas. Welcome, Iago; we must to the watch; ^ 

Iago. Not this hour, lieutenant; 'tis not yet ten o' the 
clock. Our general cast us thus earh" for ihe love of his 
Desdemona; who let us not therefore blame: he hath not 
yet made wanton the night with her; and she is sport for 
Jove. 

C«5. She's a most exquisite lady. 

Iago. And, I'll warrant her, full of game. 

Gas. Indeed, she's a most fresh and delic;;te creature. 20 

lago. What an eye she has! methinks it sounds a parley 
of provocation. 

Gas. An inviting eye; and yet methinks right modest. 

lago. And wlien she speaks, is it not an alarum to love? 

Gas. She is indeed perfection. 

Iago. Well, happiness to their sheets! Come, lieutenant, 
I have a stoup of wine; and here without are a brace of 
Cyprus D-allants that would fain have a measure to the 
health of black Othello. 

Gas. Xot to-night, good Iago: I have very poor and un- 
happy brains for drinking: I could well wish courtesy 
would invent some other custom of entertainment. 

Iago. O, they are our friends; but one cup: I'll drink for 
you. 40 

Gas. I have drunk but one cup to-night, and that was 
craftily qualified too, and, behold, what innovation it 
makes here: I am unfortunate in the infirmity, and dare 
not task my Aveakness with any more. 

Iago. AVliat, man! 'tis a night of revels: the gallants de- 
sire it. 

Gas. Where are the}^? 

Iago. Here at the door; I pray you, call them in. 

Gas. I'll do't; but it dislikes me. {Exit. 

Iago. If I can fasten but one cup upon him, 50 

With that which he hath drunk to-night already, 
He'll be as full of quarrel and offence 

As m}^ young mistress' dog. IS'ow, ni}^ sick fool Roderigo, 
Whom love hath turn'd almost the wrong side out, 



460 OTHELLO. [act ir. 

To Desdemona hath to-night caroused 
Potations pottle-deep; and he's to watch: 
Three lads of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits, 
That hold their honours in a wary distance. 
The very elements of this warlike isle, 
Have I to-night fluster'd with flowing cups, 60 

And they watch too. Now, 'mongst this flock of drunk- 
ards, 
Am I to put our Cassio in some action 
That may offend the isle. — But here they come: 
If consequence do but approve my dream. 
My boat sails freel}', both with wind and stream. 

Re-enter Cassio ; with liim Montano and Gentlemen ; 8er- 
vants following with loine. 

Cas. 'Fore God, they liave given me a rouse already. 
Mon. Good f aitli, a little one ; not past a pint, as I am a 
soldier. 

lago. Some wine, ho! 70 

\_Sings\ And let me the canakin clink, clink; 
And let me the canakin clink: 
A soldier's a man ; 
A life's but a span; 
Whj^ then, let a soldier drink. 
Some wine, boys! 

Cas. 'Fore God, an excellent song. 

lago. I learned it in England, where, indeed, they are 
most potent in potting: your Dane, your German, and your 
swag- bellied Hollander — Drink, ho! — are nothing to your 
English. 81 

Cas. Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking? 
lago. Why, he drinks 3'ou, with facility, your Dane dead 
drunk; he sweats not to overthrow your Almain; he gives 
your Hollander a vomit, ere the next pottle can be filled. 
Cas. To the health of our general ! 

Mon. I am for it, lieutenant; and I'll do you justice. 90 
lago. O sweet England! 

King Stephen was a worthy peer. 

His breeches cost him but a crown; 
He held them sixpence all too dear, 

With that he called the tailor lown. 
He was a wight of high renown. 

And thou art but of low degree: 
'Tis pride that pulls the country down; 
Then take thine auld cloak about thee. 
Some wine, ho! 100 

Cas. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other. 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 461 

lago. Will you hear't again? 

Cas. No ; for I liold hiui to be unworthy of his place that 
does those things. Well, God's above all; and there be 
souls must be saved, and there be souls must not be 
saved. 

lago. It's true, good lieutenant. 

Gas. For mine own part, — no offence to the general, nor 
any man of quality, — I hope to be saved. Ill 

lago. And so do I too, lieutenant. 

Gas. Ay, but, by your leave, not before me ; the lieuten- 
ant is to be saved before the ancient. Let's have no more 
of this; let's U) our affairs. — Forgive us our sins! — Gentle- 
men, let's look to our business. Do not think, gentlemen, 
I am drunk: this is my ancient; this is my right hand, and 
this is my left: I am not drunk now; I can stand well 
enough, and speak well enough. 120 

All. Excellent well. 

Gas. Why, very well then; you must not think then that 
I am drunk. \^Exit. 

Moil. To the platform, masters; come, let's set the 
watch. 

lago. You see this fellow that is gone before; 
He is a soldier fit to stand by Csesar 
And give direction: and do but see his vice; 
'Tis to his virtue a just equinox, 

The one as long as the other: 'tis pity of him. 130 

I fear the trust Othello puts him in, 
On some odd time of his infirmity, 
Will shake this island. 

Mon. But is he often thus? 

lago. 'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep: 
He'll watch the horologe a double set, 
If drink rock not his cradle. 

Mon. It were well 

The general were put in mind of it. 
Perhaps he sees it not; or his good nature 
Prizes the virtue that appears in Cassio, 
And looks not on his evils: is not this true? 140 

Enter Eodeetgo. 

lago. {Aside to Mm] How now, Roderigo ! 
I pray you, after the lieutenant; go. [Exit Roderigo. 

Mon. And 'tis great pity that the noble Moor 
Should hazard such a place as his own second 
With one of an ingraft infirmity; 
It were an honest action to say 
So to the Moor. 



462 OTHELLO. [act tt. 

lago. Not I, for this fair island : 

I do love Cassio well ; and would do much 
To cure him of this evil — But, hark! what noise.? 

\_Cry witMn: "Help! help!" 

Re-enter Cassio, driving in Roderigo. 

Cas. You rogue ! you rascal ! 

Man. What's the matter, lieutenant? 

Gas. A knave teach me my duty! 151 

I'll beat the knave into a twiggen bottle. 

Rod. Beat me ! 

Gas. Dost thou prate, rogue? {Striking Roderigo. 

Mon. Nay, good lieatenant; 

{Staying liim. 
I pray you, sir, hold your hand. 

Gas. Let me go, sir. 

Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard. 

Mon. Come, come, you're drunk. 

Gas. Drunk! {They fight. 

lago. {Aside to Roderigo'] Away, I say ; go out, and cry a 
mutinj^ ■ {Exit Roderigo. 

Nay, good lieutenant, — alas, gentlemen; — 
Help, ho! — Lieutenant, — sir, — Montano, — sir; — 160 

Help, masters! — here's a goodly watch indeed! {Bell rings. 
Who's that which rings the bell? — Diablo, ho! 
The town will rise: God's will, lieutenant, hold! 
You will be shamed forever. 

Re-enter Othello and Attendants. 

Otli. . What is the matter here? 

Mon. 'Zounds, I bleed still ; I ^m hurt to the death. 

{Faints. 

0th. Hold, for your lives! 

lago. Hold, ho! Lieutenant, — sir, — Montano, — gentle- 
men, — 
Have you forgot all sense of place and duty? 
Hold! the general speaks to you; hold, hold, for shame! 

0th. Why, how now, ho! from whence ariseth this? 
Are we turn'd Turks, and to ourselves do that 170 

Which heaven hath forbid the Ottomites? 
For Christian shame, put by this barbarous brawl: 
He that stirs next to carve for his own rage 
Holds his soul light; he dies upon his motion. 
Silence that dreadful bell : it frights the isle 
From her propriety. What is the matter, masters? 
Honest lago, that look'st dead with grieving, 
Speak, who began this? on thy love, I charj^e thee. 



SCENE in.] OTHELLO. 463 

lago. I do not know: friends all but noAv, even now, 
In quarter, and in terms like bride and groom 180 

Devesting them for bed; and then, but aow — 
As if some planet had unwitted men — 
Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast, 
In opposition bloody. I cannot speak 
Any beginning to this peevisli odds; 
And would in action glorious I had lost 
Those legs that brought me to a part of it! 

OtJi. How comes it, Michael, you are thus forgot? 

Gas. I pray you, pardon me; I cannot speak. 

Otli. Worthy Montano, you were wont be civil; 190 

The gravity and stillness of your youth 
The world hath noted, and your name is great 
In mouths of wisest censure: what's the matter, 
That you unlace your reputation thus 
And spend your rich opinion for the name 
Of a night-brawler? give me answer to it. 

Man. Worthy Othello, I am hurt to danger: 
Your officer, lago, can inform you, — 

While I spare speech, which something now offends me, — 
Of all that I do know : nor know I aught 200 

By me that's said or done amiss this night; 
Unless self-charity be sometimes a vice, 
And to defend ourselves it be a sin 
When violence assails us. 

0th. Xow, by heaven, 

My blood begins my saf-^r guides to rule; 
And passion, having ray best judgement collied, 
Assays to lead the waj^: if I once stir, 
Or do but lift this arm, the best of you 
Shall sink in my I'ebuke. Give me to know 
How this foul rout began, who set it on; 210 

And he that is approved in this offence, 
Though he had \winn'd with me, both at a birth, 
Shall Jose me. What! in a town of war, 
Yet wild, the people's hearts brimful of fear. 
To manage private and domestic quarrel. 
In night, and on the court and guard of safety! 
'Tis monstrous. lago, who began't? 

Mon. If partially affined, or leagued in office, 
Thou dost deliver more or less than truth, 
Thou art no soldier. 

lago. Touch me not so near: 220 

I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth 
Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio ; 
Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth 



464 OTHELLO. [act ii. 

Shall nothing wrong him. Thus it is, general. 

Montano and myself being in speech, 

There comes a fellow crying out for help: 

And Cassio following him with determined sword, 

To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman 

Steps in to Cassio, and entreats his pause: 

Myself the crying fellow did pursue, 230 

Lest by his clamour — as it so fell out — 

The town might fall in fright: he, swift of foot, 

Outran my purpose; and I return'd the rather 

For that I heard the clink and fall of swords, 

And Cassio high in oath ; which till to-night 

I ne'er might say before. When I came back — 

For this was brief — I found them close together, 

At blow and thrust; even as again they were 

When you yourself did part them. 

More of this matter cannot I report: 240 

But men are men; the best sometimes forget: 

Though Cassio did some little wrong to him, 

As men in rage strike those that wish them best, 

Yet surely Cassio, I believe, received 

From him that fled some strange indignity, 

Which patience could not pass. 

0th. I know, lago. 

Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, 
Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee; 
But never more be oflQcer of mine. 

Be-enter Desdemona, attended. 

Look, if my gentle love be not raised up! 250 

I'll make thee an example. 

Des. What's the matter? 

Oih. All's well now, sweeting; come away to bed. 
Sir, for your hurts, myself wilt be your surgeon: 
Lead him off. {^To Montano, wlio is led off. 

lago, look with care about the town. 
And silence those whom this vile brawl distracted. 
Come, Desdemona: 'tis the soldiers' life 
To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife. 

[Exeunt all hut lago and Cassio. 

lago. What, are you hurt, lieutenant? 

Cas. Ay, past all surgery. 260 

lago. Marry, heaven forbid! 

Cas. Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost 
my reputation ! I have lost the immortal part of mysf^f , 
and what remains is bestial. My reputation, lago, iwy 
reputation ! 



BCENE III.] OTHELLO. 465 

lago. As I am an honest man, I thought you had received 
some bodily wound ; there is more sense in that than in 
reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false impo- 
sition: oft got "without merit, and lost without deserving 
you have lost no reputation at all, unless you repute your- 
self such a loser. What, man! there are ways to recover 
the general again: you arc but now cast in his mood, a 
punishment more in policy than in malice; even so as one 
would beat his offenceless dog to affright an imperiou? 
lion : sue to him again, and he's yours. 

Gas. I will rather sue to be despised than to deceive so 
good a commander with so slight, so drunken, and so in- 
discreet an officer. Drunk? and speak parrot? and squab- 
ble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's 
own shadow? O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast 
no name to be known by, let us call thee devil ! 

lago. "What was he that you followed with your sword? 
What had he done to you? 

Gas. I know not. 

lago. Is't possible? 

Gas. I remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly; 
a quarrel, but nothing wherefore. O God, that men should 
put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains? 
that we should, with joy, plcasance, revel and applause, 
transform ourselves into beasts! 

lago. Why, but you are now well enough: how came 
you thus recovered? 

Gas. It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place 
to the devil wrath: one unperfectness shows me another, 
to make me frankly despise myself. 300 

lago. Come, you are too severe a moraler: as the time, 
the place, and the condition of this country stands, I could 
heartily wish this had not befallen; but, since it is as it is, 
mend it for your own good. 

Gas. I will ask him for my place again; he shall tell me 
I am a drunkard! Had I as many mouths as Hydra, such 
an answer would stop them all. To be now a sensible man, 
by and by a fool, and presently a beast ! O strange ! Every 
inordinate cup is unblessed and the ingredient is a devil. 

lago. Come, come, good wine is a good familiar crea- 
ture, if it be well used : exclaim no more against it. And, 
good lieutenant, I think you think I love you. 

Gas. I have well approved it, sir. I drunk! 

lago. You or any man living may be drunk at a time, 
man. I'll tell you what you shall do. Our general's wife 
is now the general; I ma\^ say so in this respect, for that 
he hath devoted and given up himself to the contemplation, 



466 OTHELLO. [act i:. 

mark, and denotement of her parts and graces : confess 
yourself freely to lier ; importune her help to put j^ou in 
your place again: she is of so free, so kind, so apt. so 
blessed a disposition, she holds it a vice in her goodness 
not to do more than she is requested: this broken joint 
between you and her husband entreat her to splinter; and, 
my fortunes against any lay worth namicg, this crack of 
your love shall grow stronger than it was before. 331 

Gas. You advise me well. 

lago. I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kind- 
ness. 

Gas. I think it freely; and betimes in the morning I will 
beseech the virtuous Desdemona to undertake for me: I 
am desperate of my fortunes if Xhej check me here. 

lago. You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant; I 
must to the watch. 340 

Gas. Good niglit, honest lago. {^Exit. 

lago. And what's he then that says I play the villain? 
When this advice is free I give and honest, 
Probal to thinking and indeed the course 
To win the Moor again? For 'tis most easy 
The inclining Desdemona to subdue 
In any honest suit: she's framed as fruitful 
As the free elements. And then for her 
To win the Moor — were't to renounce his baptism. 
All seals and symbols of redeemed sin, 350 

His soul is so enfetter'd to her love. 
That she may make, unmake, do what she list. 
Even as her appetite shall play the god 
With his weak function. How am I then a villain 
To counsel Cassio to this parallel course. 
Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! 
When devils will the blackest sins put on. 
They do suggest at first with heavenly shows. 
As I do now: for whiles this honest fool 
Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes 360 

And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor, 
I'll pour this pestilence into his ear, 
That she repeals him for her body's lust; 
And by how much she strives to do him good. 
She shall undo her credit with the Moor. 
So will I turn her virtue into pitch. 
And out of her own goodpess make the net 
That shall enmesh them all. 

Re-enter Rodekigo. 

How now, Roderigo ' 



8CENE I.] OTHELLO. 467 

Rod. I do follow here in the chase, not like a hound 
that hunts, but one that fills up the cry. My money is 
almost spent; I have been to-night exceedingly well cud- 
gelled ; and I think the issue will be, I shall have so much 
experience for my pains, and so, with no money at all and 
a little more wit, return again to Venice. 

lago. How poor are the3^ that liave not patience! 
What wound did ever heal but by degrees? 
Thou knowst we work by wit, and not by witchcraft; 
And wit depends on dilatory time. 

Does't not go well? Cassio hath beaten thee, 380 

And thou, by that small hurt, hast cashier'd Cassio; 
Though other things grow fair against the sun, 
Yet fruits that blossom first will first be ripe : 
Content thyself awhile. By the mass, 'tis morning.; 
Pleasure and action make the hours seem short. 
Retire thee ; go where thou art billeted : 
Away, I say; thou shalt know more hereafter: 
Nay, get thee gone, [Exit Boderigo.] Two things are to 

be done; 
My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress; 
I'll set her on; 390 

Myself the while to draw the Moor apart, 
And bring him jump when he may Cassio find 
Soliciting his wife ; ay, that's the way; 
Dull not device by coldness and delay, {Mcit. 



ACT IIL 

Scene I. Before the castle. 
Enter Cassio and some Musicians. 

Cas. Masters, play here; I will content your pains; 
Something that's brief; and bid "Good morrow, general." 

[Music 
Enter Clown. 

Clo. Why, masters, have your instruments been inlS'aples, 
that they speak i' the nose thus? 

I^irst 3Ius. How, sir, how? 

Clo. Are these, I pray you, wind-instruments? 

First Mus. Ay, marry, are they, sir. 

Clo. O, thereby hangs a tail. 

First Mus. Whereby hangs a tail, sir? 9 

Clo. Marry, sir, by many a wind-instrument that I know. 
But, masters, here's money for you: and t)^e general so 



468 OTHELLO. [act in. 

likes your music, that he desires you, for love's sake, to 
make no more noise with it. 

First Mus. Well, sir, we will not. 

Clo. If you have aDy music that may not be heard, to't 
again: but, as they say, to hear music the general does not 
greatly care. 

First Mus. We have none such, sir. 

Clo. Then put up your x)ipes in your bag, for I'll away: 
go : vanish into air ; away ! [Exeunt Musicians. 21 

Cas. Dost thou hear, my honest friend? 

Clo. No, I hear not your honest friend; I hear you. 

Cas. Prithee, keep up thy quillets. There's a poor piece 
of gold for thee: if the gentlewoman that attends the gen- 
eral's wife be stirring, tell her there's one Cassio entreats 
her a little favour of speech: wilt thou do this? 

Clo. She is stirring, sir: if she will stir hither, I shall 
seem to notify unto her. 31 

Cas. Do, good my friend. {Eodt Clown. 

Enter Iago. 

In happy time, Iago. 

Iago. You have not been a-bed, then? 

Cas. Why, no : the day had broke 
Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago, 
To send in to your wife: my suit to her 
Is, that she will to virtuous Desdemona 
Procure me some access. 

Iago. I'll send her to you presently; 

And I'll devise a mean to draw the Moor 
Out of the way, that your converse and business 
May be more free. 41 

Cas. I humbly thank you f or't. [Exit Iago.^1 never knew 
A Florentine more kind and honest 

Enter Emilia. 

Emit. Good morrow, good lieutenant : I am sorry 
For your displeasure ; but all will sure be well. 
The general and his wife are talking of it; 
And she speaks for you stoutly: the Moor replies, 
That he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus 
And great affinity and that in wholesome wisdom 
He might not but refuse you, but he protests he loves you 
And needs no other suitor but his likings 51 

To take the safest occasion by the front 
To bring you in again. 

Cas. Yet, I beseech you, 

If you think fit, or that it may be done. 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 469 

Give me advantage of some brief discourse 
With Desdemona alone. 

Emil. Pray you, come in; 

I will bestow you where you shall have time 
To speak your bosom freely. 

Cas, I am much bound to you. [^Exeunt. 



Scene II. A room in tJie castle. 
Enter Othello, Iago, and Gentlemen. 

0th. These letters give, Iago, to the pilot; 
And by him do my duties to the senate : 
That done, I will be walking on the works; 
Repair there to me. 

Iago. Well, my good lord, I'll do't. 

0th. This fortification, gentlemen, shall we see't? 

Gent. We'll wait upon your lordship. {Exeunt. 

Scene III. The garden of the castle. 
Enter Desdemona, Cassio, and Emilia. 

Bes. Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do 
All my abilities in thy behalf. 

Emil. Good madam, do: I warrant it grieves my hus- 
band, 
As if tlie case were his. 

Des. O, that's an honest fellow. Do not doubt, Cassio, 
But I will have my lord and you again 
As friendly as you were. 

Gas. Bounteous madam, 

Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio, 
He's never an}'" thing but your true servant. 

Des. I know't; I thank you. You do love my lord: 10 
You have known him long; and be you well assured 
He shall in strangeness stand no further off 
Than in a politic distance. 

Gas. Ay, but, lady, 

That policy may either last so long, 
Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet, 
Or breed itself so out of circumstance, 
That, I being absent and my place supplied, 
My general will forget my love and service. 

Des. Do not doubt that; before Emilia here 
I give thee warrant of thy place : assure thee, 20 

If I dp vow a friendship, I'll perform it 



470 OTHELLO. [act m. 

To the last article: my lord shall never rest; 

I'll watch him tame and talk him out of patience; 

His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift; 

I'll intermingle every thing he does 

With Cassio's suit: therefore be merry, Cassio: 

For thy solicitor shall rather die 

Than give thy cause away. 

Emil. Madam, here comes my lord. 

Cas. Madam, I'll take my leave. 30 

Des. Why, stay, and hear me speak. 

Cas. Madam, not now: I am very ill at ease, 
Unfit for mine own purposes. 

Des. Well, do your discretion. [Exit Cassio. 

Enter Othello and Iago. 

lago. Ha ! I like not that. 

0th. What dost thou say? 

Iago. Nothing, my lord: or if — I know not what. 

0th. Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? 

Iago. Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it, 
That he would steal away so guilty-like, 
Seeing you coming. 

0th . I do believe 'twas he. 40 

Des. How now, my lord ! 
I have been talking with a suitor here, 
A man that languishes in your displeasure. 

0th. Who is't you mean? 

Des. Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, 
If I have any grace or power to move you. 
His present reconciliation take ; 
For if he be not one that truly loves you, 
That errs in ignorance and not in cunning, 
I have no judgement in an honest face: 50 

I prithee, call him back. 

0th. Went he hence now? 

Des. Ay, sooth: so humbled 
That he hath left part of his grief with me, 
To suffer with him. Good love, call him back. 

OtJi. Net now, sweet Desdemona; some other time. 

Des. But shall't be shortly? 

0th. The sooner, sweet, for you. 

Des. Shall't be to-night at supper? 

0th. No, not to-night. 

Des. To-morrow dinner, then ? 

0th. I shall not dine at home ; 

I meet the captains at the citadel. 

Des. Why, then, to-morrow night ; or Tuesday morn ; 60 



SCENE ni.] OTHELLO. 471 

On Tuesday noon, or night; on Wednesday morn: 

I prithee, name the time, but let it not 

Exceed three days: in faith, he's penitent; 

And yet liis trespass, in our common reason — 

Save that, they say, the wars must make examples 

Out of their best — is not almost a fault 

To incur a private check. When shall he come? 

Tell me, Othello: I wonder in my soul. 

What you would ask me, that I should deny, 

Or stand so mammering on. What! Michael Cassio, 70 

That came a-wooing with you, and so many a time, 

When I have spoke of you dispraisingly. 

Hath ta'en your part ; to have so much to do 

To bring him in ! Trust me, I could do much, — 

0th. Prithee, no more: let him come when he will; 
I will deny thee nothing. 

Des. Why, this is not a boon ; 

'Tis as I should entreat you wear your gloves. 
Or feed on nourishing dishes, or keep you warm, 
Or sue to you to do a peculiar profit 

To your own person: nay, when I have a suit 80 

Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed, 
It shall be full of poise and difficult weight 
And fearful to be granted. 

0th. I will deny thee nothing: 

Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant me this, 
To leave me but a little to myself. 

Des. Shall I deny you ? no : farewell, my lord. 

0th. Farewell, myDesdemona: I'll come to thee straight, 

Dss. Emilia, come. Be as j^our fancies teach you; 
Whate'er you be, I am obedient. 

[Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia. 

0th. Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul, 90 
But I do love thee! and when I love thee not, 
Chaos is come again. 

lago. My noble lord, — 

Oth. What dost thou say, Tago? 

Ia<]o. Did Michael Cassio, when you woo'd my lady. 
Know of your love ? 

Oth. He did, from first to last: why dost thou ask? 

lago. But for a satisfaction of my thought, lago? 
Ko further harm. 

Oth. Why of thy thought, lago? 

lago. I did not think he had been acquainted with her. 

Oth. O, yes; and went between us very oft. 100 

logo. Indeed! 



473 OTHELLO. [act til 

0th. Indeed! ay, indeed: discern'st thou aught in that? 
Is he not honest? 

lago. Honest, my lord ! 

0th. Honest ! ay, honest ! 

lago. My lord, for aught I know. 

0th. What dost thou think? 

lago. Think, my lord ! 

0th. Think, my lord! 

By heaven, he echoes me. 
As if there were some monster in his thought 
Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something- 
I heard thee say even now, thou likedst not that, 
When Cassio left my wife: what didst not like? 110 

And when I told thee he was of my counsel 
In my whole course of wooing, thou criedst " Indeed!" 
And didst contract and purse thy brow together. 
As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain 
Some horrible conceit: if thou dost love me, 
Show me thy thought. 

lago. My lord, you know I love 3^ou, 

0th. I think thou dost; 

And, for I know thou'rt full of love and honesty, 
And weigh'st thy words before thougivest them breath, 
Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more; 120 
For such things in a false disloyal knave 
Are tricks of custom, but in a man that's just 
They are close delations, working from the heart 
That passion cannot rule. 

lago. For Michael Cassio, 

I dare be sworn I think that he is honest. 

0th. I think so too. 

lago. Men should be what they seem; 

Or those that be not, would they might seem none! 

OtJi. Certain, men should be what they seem. 

lago. Why, then, I think Cassio's an honest man. 

0th. Nay, yet there's more in this: 130 

I prithee, speak to me as to thj^ thinkings. 
As thou dost ruminate, and give thy worst of thoughts 
The worst of words. 

lago. Good my lord, pardon me- 

Though I am bound to every act of duty, 
I am not bound to that all slaves are free to. 
Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false; 
As Where's that palace whereinto foul thin^^s 
Sometimes intrude not? who has a breast so pure, 
But some uncleanly apprehensions 
Keep leets and law-days and in session sit 14G 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 473 

With meditations lawful? 

0th. Tliou dost conspire against thy friend, lago. 
If thou but think'st him. wrong'd and makest his ear 
A stranger to thy thoughts. 

lago. I do beseech you — 

Though I perchance am vicious in my guess, 
As, I confess, it is my nature's plague 
To spy into abuses, and oft my jealousy 
Shapes faults that are not — that your wisdom yet, 
From one that so imperfectly conceits, 
Would take no notice, nor build yourself a trouble 150 
Out of his scattering and unsure observance. 
It were not for your quiet nor your good, 
Nor for my manhood, honesty, or wisdom. 
To let you know my thoughts. 

0th. What dost thou mean? 

lago. Good name in man and woman, dear my lord. 
Is the immediate jewel of their souls: 

Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing; 
'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands; 
But he that filches from me my good name 
Robs me of that which not enriches him 160 

And makes me poor indeed. 

0th. By heaven, I'll know thy thoughts. 

lago. You cannot, if my heart were in your hand; 
Nor shall not^ whilst 'tis in my custody. 

0th. Ha! 

lago. O beware, my lord, of jealousy; 
It is the grecii-e^'ed monster which doth mock 
The meat it feeds on; that cuckold lives in bliss 
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; 
But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'er 
Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves! 170 

0th. O misery! 

la^o. Poor and content is rich and rich enough, 
But riches fineless is as poor as winter 
To him that ever fears he shall be poor. 
Good heaven, the souls of all my tribe defend 
From jealousy! 

0th. Why, why is this? 

Think'st thou I'll make a life of jealousy; 
To follow still the changes of the moon 
With fresh suspicions? No; to be once in doubt 
Is once to be resolved: exchange me for a goat, 180 

When I shall turn the business of my soul 
To such exsufflicate and blown surmises, 
>*^tc.aing thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous 



474 OTHELLO. [act hi. 

To say ray wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, 

Is free of speech, sings, plays and dances well; 

Where virtue is, these are more virtuous: 

Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw 

The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt; 

For she had eyes, and chose me. No, lago; 

I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; 190 

And on the proof, there is no more but this,^ 

Away at once with love or jealousy! 

lago. I am glad of it; for now I shall have reason 
To show the love and duty that I bear you 
With franker spirit, therefore, as I am bound, 
Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof. 
Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; 
Wear your eye thus, not jealous nor secure • 
I would not have your free and noble nature, 
Out of self-bounty, be abused ; look to't» 200 

I know our country disposition well; 
In Venice tlicy do let heaven see the pranks 
They dare not show ther husbands; their best conscience 
Is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown. 

Gth. Dost thou say so? 

lago. She did deceive her father, marrying you; 
And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks, 
She loved them most. 

0th. And so she did. 

lago. Why, go to then; 

She that, so young, could give out such a seeming. 
To seel her father's eyes up close as oak — 210 

He thought 'twas Mdtchcraft — but I am much to blame; 
I humbly do beseech you of your pardon 
For too much loving you. 

Oih. I am bound to thee for ever. 

lago. I see this hath a little dash'd your spirits. 

0th. Not a jot, not a jot. 

lago. V faith, I fear it has, 

I hope you will consider what is spoke 
Comes from my love. But I do see you're moved: 
I am to pray you not to strain my speech 
To grosser issues nor to larger reach 
Than to suspicion. 220 

0th. I will not. 

lago. Should you do so, my lord. 

My speech should fall into such vile success 
As my thoughts aim not at. Cassio's my worthy friend — 
My lord, I see you're moved. 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 475 

0th. No, not much moved: 

I do not think but Desdemona's honest. 

lago. Long live slie so! and loug live you to think so! 

0th. And yet, liow nature erring from itself, — 

lago. Ay, there's the point: as — to be bold with you — 
Not to affect many proposed matches 

Of her own clime, complexion, and degree, 230 

Whereto we see in all things nature tends — 
Foil! one may smell in such a will most rank, 
Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural. 
But pardon me ; I do not in position 
Distinctly speak of her; though I may fear 
Her will, recoiling to her better judgement, 
May fall to match you with her country forms 
And happily repent. 

Otli. Farewell, farewell : 

If more thou dost perceive, let me know more: 
Set on thy wife to observe: leave me, lago. 240 

lago. YGroiiig] My lord, I take my leave. 

0th. Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless 
Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds. 

lago. [Returning'] My lord, I would I might entreat your 
honour 
To scan this thing no further; leave it to time: 
Though it be fit that Cassio have his place, 
For, sure, he fills it up with great ability, 
Yet, if you please to hold him off awhile, 
You shall by that perceive him and his means: 
Note, if your lady strain his entertainment 250 

With any strong or vehement importunity; 
Much will be seen in that. In the mean time, 
Let me be thought too busy in my fears — 
As worthy cause I have to fear I am — 
And hold her free, I do beseech your honour. 

0th. Fear not my government. [Exit. 

lago. I once more take my leave. 

0th. This fellow's of exceeding honesty, 
And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit, 
Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard, 360 

Though that her jesses were my dear heart-strings, 
I'ld whistle her off and let her down the wind, 
To prey at fortune. Haply, for I am black 
And Iiave not those soft parts of conversation 
That chamberers have, or for I am declined 
Into the vale of years, — yet that's not much — 
She's gone. I am abused; and my relief 
Must be to loathe her. O curse of marriage, 



476 OTHELLO. [act m. 

That we can call these delicate creatures ours, 

And not their appetites ! I had rather be a toad, 270 

And live upon the vapour of a dungeon, 

Than keep a corner in the thing I love 

For others' uses. Yet, 'tis the plague of great ones; 

Prerogatived are they less than the base; 

'Tis destiny unshunnable, like death: 

Even then this forked plague is fated to us 

When we do quicken. Desdemona comes: 

Re-enter Desdemona and Emilia. 

If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself! 
I'll not believe't. 

Des. How now, my dear Othello! 

Your dinner, and the generous islanders 880 

By you invited, do attend your presence. 

0th. I am to blame ! 

Des. Why do you speak so faintly? 

Are you not well ? 

0th. I have a pain upon my forehead here. 

Des. 'Faith, that's with watchmg; 'twill away again: 
Let me but bind it hard, within this hour 
It will be well. 

0th. Your napkin is too little : 

[He puts the handkerchief from him; and it drops. 
Let it alone. Come, I'll go in with you. 

Des. I am very sorry that you are not well. 

[Exeunt Othello and Desdemona. 

Emil. I am glad I have found this napkin; 290 

This was her first remembrance from the Moor: 
My wayward husband hath a hundred times 
Woo'd me to steal it; but she so loves the token. 
For he conjured her she should ever keep it, 
That she reserves it evermore about her 
To kiss and talk to. I'll have the work ta'en out, 
And give't lago: what he will do with it 
Heaven knows, not I; 
I nothing but to please his fantasy. 

Be-enter Iago. 

lago. How now! what do you here alone? dUO 

Emil. Do not you chide; I have a thing for you. 
lago. A thing for me? it is a common thing — 
Emil. Ha! 

lago. To have a foolish wife, 
Emil. O, is that all? What will you give me now 
For that same handkerchief? 



ecENE ni.] OTHELLO. 477 

lago. What handkerchief? 

Emil. What handkerchief! 
Why, that the Moor first gave to Desderaona; 
That whicli so often you did bid me steal, 

lago. Hast stol'n it from her? 310 

Emil. No, 'faith ; she let it drop by negligence, 
And, to the advantage, I, being here, took't up. 
Look, here it is. 

lago. A good wench ; give it me. 

Emil. What will you do witli't, that you have been so 
earnest 
To have me filch it? 

lago. [Sfiaiching it] Why, what's that to you? 

Emil. If it be not for some purpose of Import, 
Give't me again : poor lady, she'll run mad 
When she shall lack it, 

lago. Be not acknown on't; I have use for it. 
Go, leave me. [Exit Emilia.^ 330 

I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin, 
And let him find it. Trifles light as air 
Are to the jealous confirmation strong 
As proofs of holy writ: this may do something. 
The Moor already changes with my poison : 
Dangerous conceits are, in their natures, poisons. 
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, 
But with a little act upon the blood, 
Burn like the mines of sulphur. I did say so: 
Look, where he comes! 

Be-enter Othello. 

Not poppy, nor mandragora, 330 
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world, . 
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep 
Which thou owedst yesterday. 

0th. Ha! ha! false tome? 

lago. Whj^ how now, general! no more of that. 

Oi/i. Avaunt! be gone! thou hast set me on the rack: 
I swear 'tis better to be much abused 
Than but to know't a little. 

logo. How now, my lord ! 

0th. What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust? 
I saw't not, thought it not, it harm'd not me: 
I slept the next night well, was free and merry; 340 

I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips: 
He that is robb'd, not wanting what is stol'n. 
Let him not know't, and he's not robb'd at all. 

logo. I am sorry to hear this. 



478 OTHELLO. [act hi. 

Otli. I had been happy, if the general camp. 
Pioneers and all, had tasted lier sweet body, 
So I had nothing known. O, now, forever 
Farewell the tranquil mind! farewell content! 
Farewell the plumed troop, and the big wars, 
That make ambition virtue! O, farewell ! 350 

Farewell the neigliing steed, and the slirill trump. 
The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife. 
The royal banner, and all quality. 
Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war! 
And, O you mortal engines, whose rude throats 
The immortal Jove's dread clamours counterfeit, 
Farewell ! Othello's occupation's gone ! 

lago. Is't possible, my lord? 

0th. Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, 
Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof; 860 

Or, by the worth of man's eternal soul. 
Thou hadst been better have been born a dog , 
Than answer my waked wrath! 

lago. Is't come to this? 

0th. Make me to see't; or, at the least, so prove it. 
That the probation bear no hinge nor loop 
To hang a doubt on ; or woe upon thy life! 

lago. My noble lord, — 

Oih. If thou dost slander her and torture me^ 
Never pray more; abandon all remorse; 
On horror's head horrors accumulate; 370 

Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed;- 
For nothing canst thou to damnation add 
Greater than that. 

lago, O grace ! O heaven forgive me ! 

Are you a man? have you a soul or sense? 
God be wi' you; take mine office. O wretched fool, 
That livest to make thine honesty a vice! 

monstrous world ! Take note, take note, O world, 
To be direct and honest is not safe, 

1 thank you for this profit; and from hence 

I'll love no friend, sith love breeds such offence, 880 

0th. Nay, stay: thou shouldst be honest. 

lago. I should be wise, for honesty's a fool 
And loses that it works for, 

Otn. By the world, 

I think my wife be honest and think she is notj 
I think thou art just and think thou art not, 
I'll have some proofs. Her name that was as fresh 
As Dian's visage, is now begrimed and black 
As mine own face. If there be cords, or knivea. 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 479 

Poison, or fire, or suffocating streams, 

I'll not endure it. Would I were satisfied! 390 

lago, I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion : 
I do repent me that I put it to you. 
You would be satisfied? 

OtK ■ Would! nay, I will. 

lago. And may: but, how? how satisfied, my lord? 
Would you, the supervisor, grossly gape on — 
Behold her topp'd? 

0th. Death and damnation! O! 

lago. It were a tedious difiiculty, I think, 
To bring them to that prospect: damn them then, 
If ever mortal eyes do see them bolster 
More than their own ! What then? how then? 400 

What shall I say? Where's satisfaction? 
It is impossible you should see this, 
Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, 
As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross 
As ignorance made drunk. But yet, I sa}^. 
If imputation and strong circumstances, 
Which lead directly to the door of truth. 
Will give 3^ou satisfaction, you may have't. 

Otli. Give me a living reason she's disloyal. 

lago. I do not like the office: 410 

But, sith I am enter'd in this cause so far, 
Prick'd to't by foolish honesty and love, 
I will go on. I lay with Cassio lately; 
And, being troubled with a raging tooth, 
I could not sleep. 

There are a kind of men so loose of soul, 
That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs: 
One of this kind is Cassio: 
In sleep I heard him say " Sweet Desdemona, 
Let us be wary, let us hide our loves;" 420 

And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand, 
Cry " O sweet creature!" and then kiss me hard, 
As if he pluck'd up kisses by the roots 
And grew upon my lips: then laid his leg 
Over my thigh, and sigh'd and kiss'd; and then, 
Cried ""Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!" 

0th. O monstrous! monstrous! 

lago. Nay, this was but his dream. 

0th. But this denoted a foregone conclusion: 
'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream. 

lago. And this may help to thicken other proofs 430 

That do demonstrate thinly. 

OtK I'll tear her all to pieces. 



480 OTHELLO. [act m, 

lago. Nay, but be wise: yet we see nothing done; 
She may be honest yet. Tell me but this, 
Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief 
Spotted with strawberries in your wife's hand? 

0th. I gave her such a one; 'twas my first gift, 

lago. I know not that: but such a handkerchief — 
I am sure it was your wife's — did I to-day 
See Cassio wipe his beard with, 

OtJi. If it be that,— 

lago. If it be that, or any that was hers, 440 

It speaks against her with the other proofs. 

0th. O, that the slave had forty thousand lives! 
One is too poor, too weak for my revenge. 
Now do I see 'tis true. Look here, lago ; 
All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven. 
'Tis gone. 

Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell ! 
Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne 
To tyrannous hate! Swell, bosom, with thy fraught, 
For 'tis of aspics' tongues! 

lago. Yet be content. 450 

Oih. O, blood,. blood, blood! 

lago. Patience, I say ; your mind perhaps may change. 

oih. Never, lago. Like to the Pontic sea, 
Whose icy current and compulsive course 
Ne'er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on 
To the Propontic and the Hellespont, 
Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace, 
Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love, 
Till that a capable and wide revenge 

Swallow them up. Now, by yond marble heaven, 460 
[Kneels] In the due reverence of a sacred vow 
I here engage my words. 

lago. Do not rise yet, 

[Kneelfi] Witness, you ever-burning lights above, 
You elements that clip us round about, 
Witness that here lago doth give up 
The execution of his wit, hands, heart, 
To wrong'd Othello's service! Let him command. 
And to obey shall be in me remorse. 
What bloody business ever. [They rise. 

0th. I greet thy love. 

Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance bounteous, 470 
And will upon the instant put thee to't: 
Within these three days let me hear Ihee say 
That Cassio's not alive. 



SCENE IT.] OTHELLO. 481 

lago. My friend is dead ; 'tis done at your request : 
But let her live. 

0th. Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her! 
Come, go with me apart; I will withdraw. 
To furnish me with some swift means of death 
For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant. 

lago. I am your own for ever. {Exeunt. 

Scene IY. Before the castle. 
Enter Desdemona, Emilia, and Clown. 

Des. Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio 
lies? 

Clo. I dare not say he lies any where. 

Des. Why, man? 

Clo. He's a soldier, and for one to say a soldier lies, is 
stabbing. 

Des. Go to: where lodges he? 

Clo. To tell you where he lodges, is to tell you where 
I lie. 

Des. Can any thing be made of this? 10 

Clo. I know not where he lodges, and for me to devise a 
lodging and say he lies here or he lies there, were to lie in 
mine own throat. 

Des. Can you inquire him out, and be edified by report? 

Clo. I will catechize the world for him; that is, make 
questions, and by them answer. 

Des. Seek him, bid him come hither: tell him I have 
moved my lord on his behalf, and hope all will be well. 20 

Clo. To do this is within the compass of man's wit ; and 
therefore I will attempt the doing it. \_Exit. 

Des. Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia? 

Emil. I know not, madam. 

Des. Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse 
Full of crusadoes: and, but my noble Moor 
Is true of mind and made of no such baseness 
As jealous creatures are, it were enough 
To put him to ill thinking. 

Emil. Is he not jealous? 

Des. Who, he? I think the sun where he was born 30 
Drew all such humours from him. 

Emil. Look, where he comes. 

Des. I will not leave him now till Cassio 
Be call'd to him. 

Ent£r Othello. 
How is't with you, my lord ? 
SHAK. in. —18 



482 OTHELLO. [act hi. 

Otli. Well, my good lady. [^Aside] O, hardness to dis- 
semble ! — 
How do you, Desdemona? 

Des. Well, my good lord. 

0th. Give me your hand: this hand is moist, my lady. 

Des. It yet hath felt no age nor known no sorrow. 

OtJi. This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart: 
Hot, hot, and moist: this hand of j^ours requires 
A sequester from liberty, fasting and prayer, 40 

Much castigation, exercise devout; 
For here 's a young and sweating devil here. 
That commonly rebels. 'Tis a good hand, 
A frank one. 

Des. You may, indeed, say so ; 

For 'twas that hand that gave away my heart. 

0th. A liberal hand, the hearts of old gave hands; 
But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts. 

Des. I cannot speak of this. Come now, your promise. 

0th. What promise, chuck? 

Des. I have sent to bid Oassio come speak with you. 50 

Otli. I have a salt and sorry rheum offends me ; 
Lend me thy handkerchief. 

Des. Here, my lord. 

0th. That which I gave you. 

Des. I have it not about me. 

0th. Not? 

Des. No, indeed, my lord, 

0th. That is a fault. 

That handkerchief 
Did an Egyptian to my mother give; 
She was a charmer, and could almost read 
The thoughts of people: she told her, while she kept it, 
Twould make her amiable and subdue my father 
Entirely to her love, but if she lost it 60 

Or made a gift of it, my father's eye 
Should hold her loathed and his spirits should hunt 
After new fancies: she, dying, gave it me; 
And bid me, when my fate would have me wive, 
To give it her. I did so: and take heed on't; 
Make it a darling like your precious eye; 
To lose't or give't away were such perdition 
As nothing else could match. 

Des. Is't possible? 

0th. 'Tis true: there's magic in the web of it: 
A sibyl, that had number'd in the world 70 

The sun to course two hundred compasses, 
In her prophetic fury sew'd the work; 



SCENE lY.] OTHELLO. 483 

The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk; 
And it was dyed in mummy which the skilful 
Conserved of maidens' hearts. 

Des. Indeed! is't true? 

0th. Most veritable ; therefore look to't well. 

Des. Then would to God that I had never seen't! 

0th. Ha! wherefore? 

Des. Why do yoii speak so startingly and rash? 

0th. Is't lost? is't gone? speak, is it out o' the way? 80 

Des. Heaven bless us! 

0th. Say you? 

Des. It is not lost; but what an if it were? 

0th. Howl 

Des. I say, it is not lost. 

0th. Fetch't, let me see't. 

Des. Why, so I can, sir, but I will not now. 
This is a trick to put me from my suit : 
Pray you. let Cassio be received again. 

0th. Fetch me the handkerchief: my mind misgives. 

Des. Come, come; 90 

You'll never meet a. more sufficient man. 

0th. The handkerchief! 

Des. I pray, talk me of Cassio. 

0th. The handkerchief! 

Des. A man that all his time 

Hath founded his good fortunes on your love, 
Shared dangers with you, — ■ 

0th. The handkerchief! 

Des. In sooth, you are to blame. 

0th. Away! 

Emit. Is not this man jealous? 

Des. I ne'er saw this before. 100 

Sure, there's some wonder in this handkerchief: 
I am most unhappy in the loss of it. 

Emil. 'Tis not a year or two shows us a man: 
They are all but stomachs, and we all but food; 
They eat us hungerly, and when they are full, 
They belch us. Look you, Cassio and my husband! 

Enter Cassio and Iago. 

lago. There is no other way; 'tis she must do't: 
And, lo, the happiness! go, and importune her. 

Des. How now, good Cassio! what's the news with you? 

Gas. Madam, my former suit: I do beseech you 110 

That by your virtuous moans I may again 
Exist, and be a member of his love 
Whom I with all the office of my heart 



484 OTHELLO. [act i... 

Entirely honour: I would not be delay 'd. 

If my offence be of such mortal kind 

That nor my service past, nor present sorrows, 

Nor purposed merit in futurity, 

Can ransom me into his love again. 

But to know so must be my benefit; 

So shall I clothe me in a forced content, 120 

And shut myself up in some other course, 

To fortune's alms. ' 

Des, Alas, thrice-gentle Cassio! 

My advocation is not now in tune; 
My lord is not my lord; nor should I know him, 
"Were he in favour as in humour alter'd. 
So help me every spirit sanctified, 
As I have spoken for you all my best 
And stood within the blank of his displeasure 
For my free speech! you must awhile be patient: 
What I can do I will; and more I will 130 

Than for myself I dare : let that suflace you. 

lago. Is my lord angry? 

Emil. He went hence but now, 

And certainly in strange unquietness. 

lago. Can he be angry ? I have seen the cannon, 
"When it hath blown his ranks into the air, 
And, like the devil, from his very arm 
Puff'd his own brother: — and can he be angry? 
Something of moment then: I will go meet him: 
There's matter in't indeed, if he be angry. 

Des. I prithee, do so. \^Exit lago. 

Something, sure, of state, 140 

Either from Venice, or some unhatch'd practice 
Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to him, 
Hath puddled his clear spirit; and in such cases 
Men's natures wrangle with inferior things. 
Though great ones are their object. 'Tis even so; 
For let our finger ache, and it indues 
Our other healthful members even to that sense 
Of pain: nay, we must think men are not gods, 
Nor of them look for such observances 
As fit the bridal. Beshrew me much, Emilia, 150 

I was, unhandsome warrior as I am, 
Arraigning his unkindness with my soul; 
But now I find I had suborn'd the witness. 
And he's indicted falsely. 

Emil. Pray heaven it be state-matters, as you think, 
And no conception nor no jealous toj 
Concerning you. 



SCENE IV.] OTHELLO. 485 

Des. Alas the day ! I never gave him cause. 

Emil. But jealous souls will not be answer'd so; 
They are not ever jealous for the cause, 160 

But jealous for they are jealous: 'tis a monster 
Begot upon itself, born on itself. 

Des. Heaven keep that monster from Othello's mind! 

Emil. Lady, amen. 

Des. I will go seek him. Cassio, walk hereabout : 
If I do find him fit, I'll move your suit 
And seek to effect it to my uttermost. 

Gas. I humbly thank your ladyship, 

[Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia. 

Enter Bianca. 

Bian. Save you, friend Cassio ! 

Gas. What make you from home? 

How is it with you, my most fair Bianca? 170 

r faith, sweet love, I was coming to your house. 

Bian. And I was going to your lodging, Cassio. 
What, keep a week away? seven days and nights? 
Eight score eight hours? and lovers' absent hours, 
More tedious than the dial eight score times? 

weary reckoning! 

Gas. Pardon me, Bianca: 

1 have this while with leaden thoughts been press'd; 
But I shall, in a more continuate time, 

Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca, 

[Giving her Desdemona' s handkerchief. 
Take me this work out. 

Bian. O Cassio, whence came this? 180 

This is some token from a newer friend: 
To the felt absence now I feel a cause: 
Is't come to this? Well, well. 

Gas. Go to, woman ! 

Throw your vile guesses in the devil's teeth. 
From whence you have them. You are jealous now 
That this is from some mistress, some remembrance : 
No, in good troth, Bianca. 

Bian. Why, whose is it? 

Gas. I know not, sweet: I found it in my chamber. 
I like the work well: ere it be demanded — 
As like enough it will — I'ld have it copied : 190 

Take it, and do't; and leave me for this time. 

Bian. Leave you! wherefore? 

Gas. I do attend here on the general ; 
And think it no addition, nor my wish^i 
To have him see me woman'd. 



486 OTHELLO. [act it. 

Bian. Why, I pray you ? 

Cas. Not that I love you not. 

Bian. But that you do not love me. 

I pray you, bring me on the vs^ay a little, 
And say if I shall see you soon at night. 

Cas. 'Tis but a little way that I can bring you; 
For I attend here: but I'll see you soon. 200 

Bian. 'Tis very good ; I must be circumstanced. \_Exeunt. 



ACT IV. 

Scene I. Cyprus. Before the castle. 
Enter Othello and Iago. 

lago. Will you think so? 

0th. Think so, lago ! 

lago. What, 

To kiss in private? 

0th. An unauthorized kiss. 

lago. Or to be naked with her friend in bed 
An hour or more, not meaning any harm? 

0th. Naked in bed, lago, and not mean harm ! 
It is hypocrisy against the devil: 
They that mean virtuously, and yet do so, 
The devil their virtue tempts, and they tempt heaven. 

lago. So they do nothing, 'tis a venial slip: 
But if I give my wife a handkerchief, — 10 

0th. What tlien? 

lago. Why, then, 'tis hers, my lord ; and, being hers. 
She may, I think, bestow't on any man. 

0th. She is protectress of her honour too : 
May she give that? 

lago. Her honour is an essence that's not seen; 
They have it very oft that have it not: 
But, for the handkerchief, — 

0th. By heaven, I would most gladly have forgot it. 
Thou said'st — O, it comes o'er my memorj^, 20 

As doth the raven o'er the infected house. 
Boding to all — he had my handkerchief. 

lago. Ay, what of that? 

0th. That's not so good now. 

lago. What, 

If I had said I had seen him do you wrong? 
Or heard him say, — as knaves be such abroad, 
Who having, by their own importunate suit, 
Or ''oluntary dotage of some mistress, 



SCENE I.] OTHELLO. 487 

Convinced or supplied them, cannot choose 
But they must blab — • 

0th. Hath he said any thing? 

lago. He hath, my lord; but be you well assured, 3^ 
No more than he'll unswear. 

Oth. What hath he said? 

lago. 'Faith, that he did — I know not what he did. , 

0th. What? what? 

lago. Lie — 

0th. With her? 

lago. With her, on her; what you will, 

0th. Lie with her ! lie on her ! We say lie on her, when 
they belie her. Lie with her! that's fulsome.— Handker- 
chief — confessions — handkerchief ! — To confess, and be 
hanged for his labour; — first, to be hanged, and then to 
confess. — I tremble at it. Nature would not invest her- 
self in such shadowing passion without some instruction. 
It is not words that shake me thus. Pish ! Noses, ears, 
and lips. — Is't possible ? — Confess — handkerchief ! — O devil ! 

\_Falls in a trance. 

lago. Work on, 
My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught; 
And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, 
All guiltless, meet reproach. What, ho! my lord! 
My lord, I say! Othello! 

Enter Cassio. 

How now, Cassio ! 

Gas. What's the matter? * 50 

lago. My lord is fall'n into an epilepsy: 
This is his second fit; he had one yesterday. 

Gas. Rub him about the temples. 

lago. No, forbear; 

The lethargy must have his quiet course: 
If not, he foams at mouth and by and by 
Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs: 
Do you withdraw yourself a little while, 
He will recover straight: when he is gone, 
I would on great occasion speak with you. [^Exit Gassio. 
How is it, general? have j^ou not hurt your head? GO 

0th. Dost thou mock me? 

lago. I mock you ! no, by heaven. 

Would you would bear your fortune like a man! 

0th. A horned man's a monster and a beast. 

lago. There's many a beast then in a populous city. 
And many a civil monster. 

OtK Did he confess it? 



4S8 OTHELLO. [act n^ 

lago. Good sir, be a man; 

Think every bearded fellow that's but yoked 
May draw with you : there's millions now alive 
Tliat nightly lie in those unproper beds 
Which they dare swear peculiar: your case is better, 70 
O, 'tis the spite of hell, the fiend's arch-mock, 
To lip a wanton in a secure couch, 
And to suppose her chaste ! No, let me know ; 
And knowing what I am, I know what she shall be. 

0th. O, thou art wise; 'tis certain. 

lago. Stand you awhile apart ,- 

Confine yourself but in a patient list. 
Whilst you were here o'erwhelmed with your grief — 
A passion most unsuiting such a man — 
Cassio came hither: I shifted him away, 
And laid good 'scuse upon your ecstasy, 80 

Bade him anon return and here speak with me; 
The which he promised. Do but encave yourself, 
And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns, 
That dwell in every region of his face; 
For I will make him tell th6 tale anew. 
Where, how, how oft, how long ago, and when 
He hath, and is again to cope your wife: 
I say, but mark his gesture. Marry, patience; 
Or I shall say you are all in all in spleen. 
And nothing of a man. 

0th. Dost thou hear, lago? 90 

I will be found most cunning in my patience; 
But— dost tliou hear? — most bloody. 

lago. That's not amiss; 

But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw? 

[^Othello retires. 
Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, 
A housewife that by selling her desires 
Buys herself bread and clothes: it is a creature 
That dotes on Cassio ; as 'tis the strumpet's plague 
To beguile many and be beguiled by one: 
He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain 
From the excess of laughter. Here he comes: 100 

Re-enter Cassio. 

As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad; 

And his unbookish jealousy must construe 

Poor Cassio's smiles, gestures and light behaviour, 

Quite in tiie wrong. How do you now, lieutenant? 

Cas. The worser that you give me the addition 
Whose wnnt even kills me. 



BCENE I.] OTHELLO. 489 

lago. Ply Desdemona well, and you are sure on't. 
[Spealcing lower] Now, if this suit lay in Bianca's power, 
How quickly should you speed! 

Cas. Alas, poor caitiff! 

0th. Look, how he laughs already! 110 

lago. I never knew woman love man so. 

Gas. Alas, poor rogue! I think, i' faith, she loves me. 

0th. Now he denies it faintly, and laughs it out. 

lago. Do you hear, Cassio? 

0th. Now he importunes him 

To tell it o'er: go to; well said, well said. 

lago. She gives it out that you shall marry her : 
Do you intend it? 

Cas. Ha, ha, ha! 120 

0th. Do you triumph, Roman? do you triumph? 

Cas. I marry her! what? a customer! Prithee, bear 
some charity to my wit; do not think it so unwholesome. 
Ha, ha, ha! 

0th. So. so, so, so : they laugh that win. 

lago. 'Faith, the cry goes that you shall marry her. 

Cas. Prithee, say true. 

lago. I am a very villain else. 

Oih. Have you scored me? Well. 130 

Cas. This is the monkey's own giving out: she is per- 
suaded I will marry her, out of her own love and flattery, 
not out of my promise. 

0th. lago beckons me; now he begins the story. 

Cas. She was here even now; she haunts me in every 
place. I was the other day talking on the sea-bank with 
certain Venetians; and thither comes the bauble, and, by 
this hand, she falls me thus about my neck — 140 

0th. Crying "O dear Cassio!" as it were: his gesture 
imports it. 

Cas. So hangs, and lolls, and weeps upon me ; so hales, 
and pulls me: ha, ha, ha! 

0th. Now he tells how she plucked him to my chamber. 
O, I see that nose of yours, but not that dog I shall throw 
it to. 

Cas. Well, I must leave her company. 

lago. Before me! look, where she comes. 150 

Cas. 'Tis such another fitchew ! marry, a perfumed one. 

Enter Bianca. 

What do you mean by this haunting of me? 

Bian. Let the devil and his dam haunt you ! What did 
you mean b}'- that same handkerchief you gave me even 
now? I was a fine fool to take it. I must take out the 



490 OTHELLO. [act iv. 

work? — A likely piece of work, that you should find it in 
your chamber, and not know who left it there! This is 
some minx's token, and I must take out the work? There; 
give it your hobby-horse: wheresoever you had it, I'll take 
out no work on't. 161 

Gas. How now, my sweet Bianca! how now! how now! 

0th. By heaven, that should be my handkerchief! 

Bian. An you'll come to supper to-night, you may; an 
you will not, come when you are next prepared for. [Exit. 

lago. After her, after iier. 170 

Gas. 'Faith, I must; she'll rail in the street else. 

lago. Will you sup there? 

Gas. 'Faith, I intend so. 

lago. Well, I may chance to see you: for I would very 
fain speak with you. 

Cas. Prithee, come; will you? 

lago. Go to ; say no more. \Exit Gassio. 

0th. [Advancing] How shall I murder him, lago? ISO 

lago. Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice? 

0th. O lago! ' 

lago. And did you see the hankerchief ? 

0th. Was that mine? 

lago. Yours, by this hand : and to see how he prizes the 
foolish woman your wife! she gave it him, and he hath 
given it his whore. 

0th. I would have him nine j^ears a-killing. A fine wo- 
man! a fair woman! a sweet woman! 

lago. Nay, you must forget that. 190 

0th. Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned to-night; 
for she shall not live: no, my heart is turned to stone; I 
strike it, and it hurts my hand. O, the world hath not a 
sweeter creature: she might lie by an emperor's side and 
command him tasks. 

lago. Nay, that's not your way. 

0th. Hang her! I do but say what she is: so delicate 
with her needle : an admirable musician : O ! she will sing 
the savageness out of a bear: of so high and plenteous wit 
and invention: — 201 

lago. She's the worse for all this. 

OtA. O, a thousand thousand times: and then, of so 
gentle a condition ! 

lago. Ay, too gentle. 

Oih. Nay, that's certain: but yet the pity of it, lago! O 
lago, the pity of it, lago ! 

lago. If you are so fond over her iniquity, give her pa- 
tent to offend; for, if it touch not you, it comes near no- 
body. 210 



SCENE I.] OTHELLO. 491 

0th. I will chop her into messes : cuckold me ! 

lago. O, 'tis foul in her. 

0th. With mine officer! 

lago. That's fouler. 

0th. Get me some poison, lago; this night: I'll not ex- 
postulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovide my 
mind again: this night, lago. 219 

lago. Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, even 
the bed she hath contaminated. 

0th. Good, good: the justice of it pleases: very good. 

lago. And for Cassio, let me be his undertaker: you shall 
hear more by midnight. 

0th. Excellent good. [A trumpet within.^ What trumpet 
is that same? 

lago. Something from Venice, sure. 'Tis Lodovico 
Come from the duke : and, see, your wife is with him, 

Enter Lodovico, DESDE^roNA, and Attendants. 

Loci. Save you, worthy general! 

OtJi. With all my heart, sir. 

Loci. The dmke and senators of Venice greet you 

l^G-ives him a letter. 

Oth. I kiss the instrument of their pleasures. 

[^Opens the letter, and reads, 

Des. And what's the news, good cousin Lodovico? 

Lago. I am very glad to see you, signior; 
Welcome to Cyprus. 

Loci. I thank you. How does Lieutenant Cassio? 

'Lago. Lives, sir. 

L>es. Cousin, there's fall'n between him and my lord 
An unkind breach: but you shall make all well. 

Oth. Are you sure of that? 

Les. My lord? 

Oth. [Beads] " This fail you not to do, as you will — " 240 

Lod. He did not call; he's busy in the paper. 
Is there division 'twixt my lord and Cassio? 

L)es. A most unhappy one: I would do much 
To atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio. ' 

Oth. Fire and brimstone ! 

Des. My lord? 

Oth. Are you wise ? 

L>es. What, is he angry? 

Lod. May be the letter moved him? 

For, as I think, they do command him -home, 
Deputing Cassio in his government. 

Lfes. Trust me, I am glad on't. 

Otii. Indeed 1 



493 OTHELLO. [act iv. 

Des. My lord? 

0th, I am glad to see you mad. 

Des. Why, sweet Othello,— 250 

0th. [Striking her] Devil! 

Des. I have not deserved this. 

Lod. My lord, this would not be believed in Venice, 
Though I should sw^ear I saw't: 'tis very much: 
Make her amends ; she weeps. 

0th. O devil, devil! 

If that the earth could teem with woman's tears, 
Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. 
Out of my sight! 

Des. I will not stay to offend you. [Going. 

Lod. Truly, an obedient lady: 
I do beseech your lordship, call her back. 260 

0th. Mistress! 

Des. My lord? 

0th. What would you with her, sir? 

Lod. Who, I, my lord? 

0th. Ay; you did wish that I would make her turn: 
Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on. 
And turn again; and she can weep, sir, weep; 
And she's obedient, as you say, obedient, 
Very obedient. Proceed you in your tears. 
Concerning this, sir, — O well-painted passion! — 
I am commanded home. Get you away; 
I'll send for you anon. Sir, I obey the mandate, 270 

And will return to Venice. Hence, avaunt! . 

[Exit Desdemona. 
Cassio shall have my place. And, sir, to-night, 
I do entreat that we may sup together: 
You are welcome, sir, to Cyprus. — Goats and monkeys! 

[Exit. 

Lod. Is this the noble Moor whom our full senate 
Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature 
Whom passion could not shake? whose solid virtue 
The shot of accident, nor dart of chance, 
Could neither graze nor pierce? 

lago. He is much changed. 

Lod. Are his wits safe? is he not light of brain? 280 

Lago. He's that he is : I may not breathe my censure 
What he might ])e : if what he might he is not, 
I would to heaven he were ! 

Lod. What, strike his wife! 

Lago. 'Faith, that was not so well; yet would I knew 
That stroke would prove the worst! 

Lod. Is it his use? 



SCENE II.] OTHELLO. 193 

Or did the letters work upon his blood. 
And new-create this fault? 

lago. Alas, alas! 

It is not honesty in me to speak 

What I have seen and known. You shall observe him. 
And his own courses will denote him so 290 

That I may save my speech : do but go after, 
And mark how he continues. 

Lod. I am sorry that I am deceived in him. [E^c.nt. 



Scene II. A room in the castle. 
Enter Othello and Emilia. 

0th. You have seen nothing, then? 

Emil. Nor ever heard, nor ever did suspect. 

0th. Yes, you have seen Cassio and she together. 

Emil. But then I saw no harm, and then I heard 
Each syllable that breath made up between them. 

0th. What, did they never whisper? 

Emil. Never, my lord. 

0th. Nor send you out o' the way? 

Emil. Never. 

0th. To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, nor nothing? 

Emil. Never, my lord. 10 

0th. That's strange. 

Emil. I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest. 
Lay down my soul at stake : if you think other. 
Remove your thought; it doth abuse your bosom. 
If any wretch have put this in your head. 
Let heaven requite it with the serpent's curse 1 
For, if she be not honest, chaste, and true. 
There's no man happy; the purest of their wives 
Is foul as slander. 

0th. Bid her come hither: go. {Exit Emilia. 

She says enough; yet she's a simple baw^d 20 

That cannot say as much This is a subtle whore, 
A closet lock and key of villanous secrets: 
And yet she'll kneel and pray; I have seen her do't. 

Enter Desdemona with Emilia. 

Des. My lord, what is your will? 

0th. Pray, chuck, come hither. 

Des. What is your pleasure? 

0th. Let me see your e3^es; 

Look in my face. 

Des. What horrible fancy's this? 



494 ' OTHELLO. [act iy. 

0th. \_To Emilia] Some of your function, mistress; 
Leave procreants alone and shut the door; 
Cough, or cry "hem," if any body come: 
Your mystery, your mystery : nay, dispatch, 30 

[Exit Emilia, 

Des. Upon my knees, what doth your speech import? 
I understand a fury in your words. 
But not the Avords. 

0th. Why, what art thou? 

iJes. Your wife, my lord ; your true 

And loyal wife. 

0th. Come, swear it, damn thyself; 

Lest, being like one of heaven, the devils themselves 
Should fear to seize thee: therefore be double damn'd: 
Swear thou art honest. 

Des. Heaven doth truly know it. 

0th. Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell. 

Des. To whom, my lord? with whom? how am I false?40 

0th. ODesdemona! away! away! away! 

Des. Alas the heavy day! Why do you weep? 
Am I the motive of these tears, my lord? 
If haply you my father do suspect 
An instrument of this your calling back. 
Lay not your blame on me: if you have lost him, 
Why, I have lost him too. 

OtJi. Had it pleased heaven 

To try me with affliction; had thej^ rain'd 
All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head, 
Steep'd me in poverty to the very lips, * 50 

Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes, 
I should have found in some place of my soul 
A drop of patience: but, alas, to make me 
f A fixed figure for the time of scorn 
To point his slow unmoving finger at! 
Yet could I bear that too; well, very well: 
But there, where I have garner'd up my heart, 
Where either I must live, or bear no life; 
The fountain from the which my current runs, 
Or else dries up; to be discarded thence! 60 

Or keep it as a cistern for foul toads 
To knot and gender in ! Turn thy complexion there, 
Patience, thou young and rose-lipp'd cherubin, — 
Ay, there, look grim as hell! 

Des. I hope my noble lord esteems me honest. 

Oth. O, ay; as summer flies are in the shambles, 
That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed, 
Who art so lovely fair and smell'st so sweet 



SCENE II.] OTHELLO. 495 

That the sense aches at thee, would thou hadst ne'er heen 
born! 

Des. Alas, what ignorant ^in have I committed? 70 

0th. Was this fair paper, this most goodly book. 
Made to write "whore" upon? What committed! 
Committed! O thou public commoner! 
I should make very forges of my cheeks, 
That would to cinders burn up modesty, 
Did I but speak thy deeds. What committed! 
Heaven stops the nose at it and the moon winks, 
The bawdy wind that kisses all it meets 
Is hush'd within the hollow mine of earth. 
And will not hear it. What committed! 80 

Impudent strumpet! 

Bes. By heaven, you do me wrong. 

OtJi. Are not you a strumpet? 

Des. No, as I am a Christian: 

If to preserve this vessel for my lord 
From any other foul unlawful touch 
Be not to be a strumpet, I am none. 

0th. What, not a whore? 

Des. No, as I shall be saved. 

0th. Is't possible? 

Des. O, heaven forgive us! 

0th. I cry you mercy, then: 

I took you for that cunning whore of Venice 
That married with Othello. [Raising his voice'] You, mis- 
tress, 90 
That have the office opposite to Saint Peter, 
And keep the gate of hell ! 

Re-enter Emilia. 

You, you, ay, you! 
We have done our course; there's money for your pains. 
I pray you, turn the key and keep our counsel. [Exit, 

Emil. Alas, what does this gentleman conceive? 
How do you, madam? how do you, my good lady? 

Des. 'Faith, half asleep. 

Emil. Grood madam, what's the matter with my lord? 

Des. With who? 

Emil. Why, with my lord, madam. 100 

Des. Who is thy lord? 

Emil. He that is yours, sweet lady. 

Des. I have none: do not talk to me, Emilia; 
I cannot weep ; nor answer have I none. 
But what should go by water. Prithee, to-night 



496 OTHELLO. [act it. 

Lay on my bed my wedding sheets: remember; 
And call thy husband hithe^. 

Emil. Here's a change indeed ! [^Exit. 

Des. 'Tis meet I should be used so, very meet. 
How have I been behaved, that he might stick 
The small'st opinion on my least misuse? 

Be-enter Emilia with Iago. 

lago. What is your pleasure, madam? How is't with 
you? 110 

J)6S. I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes 
Do it with gentle means and easy tasks: 
He might have chid me so ; for, in good faith, 
I am a child to chiding. 

Iago. What's the matter, lady? 

EmiL Alas, Iago, my lord hath so be whored her, 
Throw^n such despite and heavy terms upon her. 
As true hearts cannot bear. 

Des. Am I that name, Iago? 

Iago. What name, fair lady? 

Des. Such as she says my lord did say I was. 

Einil. He call'd her whore: a beggar in his drink 120 
Could not have laid such terms upon his callat. 

Iago. Why did he so? 

Des. I do not know ; I am sure I am none such. 

Iago. Do not weep, do not weep. Alas the day! 

Emil. Hath she forsook so many noble matches, 
Her father and her country and her friends. 
To be call'd whore? would it not make one weep? 

Des. It is my wretched fortune. 

Iago. Beshrew him f or't ! 

How comes this trick upon him? 

Des. Nay, heaven doth know. 

Emil. I will be hang'd, if some eternal villain, 130 

Some busy and insinuating rogue, 
Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office. 
Have not devised this slander; I'll be hang'd else. 

lago. Fie, there is no such man ; it is impossible. 

Des. If any such there be, heaven pardon him ! 

Emil. A halter pardon him! and hell gnaw his bones! 
Why should he call her whore? who keeps her company? 
What place? what time? what form? what likelihood? 
The Moor's abused by some most villanous knave, 
Some base notorious knave, some scurvy fellow. 
O heaven, that such companions thou'ldst unfold, 
And put in every honest hand a whip 



SCENE II.] OTHELLO. 497 

To lash the rascals naked through the world 
Even, from the east to the west! 

lago. Speak within door. 

Emil. O, fie upon them ! Some such squire he was 
That turn'd your wit the seamy side without, 
And made you to suspect me with the Moor, 

lago. You are a fool; go to. 

Bes, O good lago, 

What shall I do to win my lord again? 
Good friend, go to him; for, by this light of heaven, 150 
I know^ not how I lost him. Here I kneel: 
If e'er my will did trespass 'gainst his love, 
Either in discourse of thought or actual deed. 
Or that mine eyes, mine ears, or any sense. 
Delighted them in any other form ; 
Or that I do not yet, and ever did. 
And ever will — though he do shake me off 
To beggarly divorcement — love him dearly. 
Comfort forswear me ! Unkindness may do much;: 
And his unkindness may defeat my life, 160 

But never taint my love. I cannot say "whoref 
It doth abhor me now I speak the word- 
To do the act that might the addition earn 
Not the world's mass of Tanity could mak-e me. 

lago. I pray you, be content; 'tis but his humour: 
The business of the state does him offence. 
And he does chide with you, 

De§. If ^twere no other, — 

lago. 'Tis but so, I warrant. 

[IVumpets within. 
Hark, how these instruments summon to supper] 
The messengers of Venice stay the meat: 170 

Go in, and weep not; all things shall be well. 

[Exeunt Desdemona and Emilia. ' 

Enter Rodeeigo, 

How now, Eoderigo! 

Rod. I do not find that thou dealest justly with me. 

lago. What in the contrary? 

Rod. Every day thou daffest me with some device, lago; 
and i-ather, as it seems to me now, keepest from me all 
conveniency than suppliest me with the least advantage of 
hope. I will indeed no longer endure it, nor am I yet per- 
suaded to put up in peace what already I have foolishly 
suffered. 

lago. Will you hear me, Roderigo? 



498 OTHELLO. [act iv. 

Bod. 'Faith, I have heard too much, for your words 
and performances are no kin together. 

lago. You charge me most nnjnstly. 

Bod, With noaglit but truth. I have wasted myself out 
of my means. The Jewels you have had from me to 
deliver toI>esdemona would half have corrupted a votarist: 
you have told me she hath received them and returned 
me expectations and comforts of sudden respect and ac- 
quaintance, but I find none. 

lago.. Well ; go to ; very well. 

Bod. Yery well! go to! I cannot go to, man- nor ''tis not 
very well : nay, I think it is scurvy, and begin to find my- 
self fobbed in it., 

lago. Yery well,. 

Bod^ I tell you 'tis not very well. I will make myself 
known to Desdemona: if she will return me my jewels, I 
will give over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation; 
if not, assure yourself I will seek satisfaction of you. 

lago.. Yo^u have said now.. 

Bod^ Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intend- 
ment of doing. 

lago.. Why^, now I see there^s mettle in thee, and even 
from this instant do build on thee a better opinion than 
ever before. Give me thy hand, Koderigo: thou hast 
taken against me a most just exception:, but yet, I protest, ' 
I have dealt most directly in thy affair. 

Bad.. It hath not appeared.. 

lago^ I grant indeecl it hath not appeared, and your sus- 
picion is not without wit and judgement. But, Roderigo, 
if thou hast that in thee indeed, which I have greater rea- 
son to believe now than ever, I mean purpose, courage and 
valour, this night show it: if thou the next night following 
enjoy not. Desdemona, take me from this world with 
treachery and devise engines for my life. 

Bod. Well, what is it? is it within reason and compass? 

lago. Sir, there is especial commission come from Yen- 
ice to depute Cassio in Othello's place. 

Bod. Is that true? why, then Othello and Desdemona 
return again to Yenice. 

lago.. O, no; he goes into Mauritania and takes away 
with hirh the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered 
here by some accident : wherein none can be so determin- 
ate as the removing of Cassio. 

Bod. How do you mean, removing of him? 

lago.. Why, by making him uncapable of Othello's 
place; knocking out his brains. 

Bod.. And that you would have me to^ do? 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO, 499 

lago.. Ay, if you dare do yourself a profit and a right. 
He sups to-night with a Jbiarlotry, and thither will I go to 
him: he knows not yet of his honourable fortune. If you 
will wateh his going thence, which I will fashion to fall 
out between twelve and one, you may take him at joux 
pleasure: I will be near to second your attempt, and he 
shall fall between us. Come, stand not amazed at it, but 
go along with me.; I will show you such a necessity in his 
death that you shall think yourself bound to put it on him. 
It is now high supper-time, and the night grows to waste 
about it 350 

Rod. I will hear further reason for this, 

lago. And you shall be satisfied. ^Emunt, 



Scene HI. Another room in the castle. 

Enter Othello, Lodotico, Desdemona, Emilia, ^tz,^ At- 
tendants, 

Lad. I do beseech you, sir, trouble yourself no further. 

0th. O, pardon me; 'twill do me good to walk, 

Lod. Madam, good night; I humbly Jthank your lady- 
ship. 

2)es. Your honour is most welcome, 

0th. Will you walk, sir? 

O, — Desdemona, — 

Bes. My lord? 

0th. G-et you t© bed on the instant; I will be returned 
forthwith: dismiss your attendant there; look it be .done. 

Dcs. I will, my lord. 10 

\^Exeunt Othello, Lodomco, and Attendants^ 

Emil. How goes it now? he looks gentler -than he did. 

Des. He says he will return incontinent: 
He hath commandeth me to go to bed, 
And bade me to. dismiss you. 

Emil. Dismiss me ! 

Des. It was his bidding ; therefore, good Emilia,, 
Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu : 
We must not now displease him. 
Emil. I would you had never'seen him! 

Bes. So would not I; my love doth so ax>prove Mm, 
That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns, — 20 
Prithee, unpin me, — have grace and favour in them. 

Emil. I have laid those sheets you bade me on the bed. 

Des. All's one. Good faith, how foolish are our mindsl 
If I do die before thee, prithee, shroud me. 
In one of those same sheets. 



500 OTHELLO. [act iy. 

Emil Come, come, you talk. 

Bes. My mother had a maid call'd Barbara: 
She was in love, and he she loved proved mad 
And did forsake her : she had a song of ' ' willow ;"■ 
An old thing 'twas, but it express'd her fortune. 
And she died singing it : that song to-night SO 

Will not go from my mind; I have much to do. 
But to go hang my head all at one side, 
And sing it like poor Barbara, Prithee, dispatch. 
Emil. Shall I go fetch your night-gown? 
Bes. No, unpin me here. 

This Lodovico is a proper man. 
EmiL A very handsome man. 
Ben. He speaks well. 

Emil. I know a lady in Venice would have walked bare- 
foot to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip. 40 
Bes. [^Singing'] The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore 
tree. 

Sing all a green willow; 
Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee. 

Sing willow, willow, willow: 
The fresh streams ran by her, and murmur'd her 
moans ; 
Sing willow, willow, willow; 
Her salt tears fell from her, and soften'd the stones; — 
Lay by these : — 

[Singing'] Sing wallow, willow, willow; 
Prithee, hie thee ; he'll come anon : — 50 

{Singing] Sing all a green willow must be my garland. 

Let nobody blame him; his scorn I approve,— 
Nay, that's not next. — Harkl who is't that knocks? 
Emil. It's the wind, 

Bes. [Singi?ig^ I call'd my love false love ; but what said 
he then? 
Sing willow, willow, willow: 
If I court moe women, you'll couch with moe men. — 
So, get thee gone ; good night. Mine eyes do itch ; 
Doth that bode weeping? 

Emil. 'Tis neither here nor there. 

Bes. I have heard it said so. O, these men, these men I 
Dost thou in conscience think, — tell me, Emilia, — 61 

That there be women do abuse their husbands. 
In such gross kind ? 

Emil. There be some such, no question. 

Bes. Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? 
Emil. Why, would you not? 
Bes. No, by this heavenly light! 



SCENE III.] OTHELLO. 501 

Emil. Nor I neither by this heavenly light ; 
I might do't as well i' the dark. 

Des. Wouldst thou do such a deed for all the world? 

Emil. The world's a huge thing: it is a great price 
For a small vice. 

Des. In troth, I think thou wouldst not. 70 

Emil. In troth, I think I should ; and undo't when I had 
done. Marry, I would not do such a thing for a joint-ring, 
nor for measures of lawn, now for gowns, petticoats, nor 
caps, nor any petty exhibition; but, for the whole world, — 
why, who would not make her husband a cuckold to make 
him a monarch? I should venture purgatory for't. 

Des. Beshrew me, if I would do such a wrong 
For the whole word, 79 

Emil. Why, the wrong is but a wrong f the world; and 
having the world for your labour, 'tis a wrong in your own 
world, and you might quickly make it right. 

Des. I do not think there is any such woman. 

Emil. Yes, a dozen ; and as many to the vantage as would 
store the world they played for. 
But I do think it is their husbands' faults 
If wives do fall : say that they slack their duties, 
And pour our treasures into foreign laps, 
Or else break out in peevish jealousies, 90 

Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike us, 
Or scant our former having in despite; 
Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace, 
Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know 
Their wives have sense like them: they see and smell 
And have their palates both for sweet and sour, 
As husbands have. What is it that they do 
When they change us for others? Is it sport? 
I think it is: and doth affection breed it? 
I think it doth; is't frailty that thus errs? 100 

It is so too: and have not we affections. 
Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have? 
Then let them use us well: else let them know, 
The- ills we do, their ills instruct us so. 

Des. Good night, good night : heaven me such uses send. 
Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend! {Exeunt. 



502 OTHELLO. [act v 

ACT V. 

Scene I. Cyprus. A street. 
Enter Iago and Rodekigo. 

lago. Here, stand behind this bulk; straight will he 
come : 
'Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home: 
Quick, quick; fear nothing; I'll be at thy elbow: 
It makes us, or it mars us; think on that, 
And fix most firm thy resolution. 

Rod. Be near at hand ; I may miscarry in't. 

Iago. Here, at thy hand: be bold, and take thy stand, 

[Retires. 

Rod. I have no great devotion to the deed; 
And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons: 
'Tis but a man gone. Forth, my sword: he dies, 10 

Iago. I have rubb'd this young quat almost to the sense, 
And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio, 
Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other. 
Every way makes my gain : live Roderigo, 
He calls me to a restitution large 
Of gold and jewels that I bobb'd from him, 
As gifts to Desdemona; 
It must not be : if Cassio do remain. 
He hath a daily beauty in his life 

That makes me ugly; and, besides, the Moor 20 

May unfold me to him ; there stand I in much peril : 
No, he must die. But so : I hear him coming. 

Enter Cassio. 

Rod. I know his gait, 'tis he. — Villain, thou diest! 

[Makes a pass at Cassio. 
Cas. That thrust had been mine enemy indeed. 
But that my coat is better than thou know'st: 
I will make proof of thine. [Draws, and wounds Roderigo. 
Rod. O, I am slain ! 

[Iago from behind loounds Cassio in tJie leg, and exit. 
Cas. I am maim'd f or ever. Help, ho! murder 1 murder! 

[Falls. 
Enter Othello. 

0th. The voice of Cassio: Iago keeps his word. 

Rod. O, villain that I am! 

0th. It is even so. 

Cas. O, help, ho ! light ! a surgeon ! 30 



scE^'E I.] OTHELLO. 503 

0th. 'Tis lie: — O brave lago, honest and just, 
That hath such noble sense of thy friend's wrong! 
Thou teachest me. Minion, your dear lies dead. 
And your unblest fate hies: strumpet, I come. 
Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted ; 
Thy bed, lust-stain'd, shall with lust's blood be spotted. 

Enter Lodoyico and Gratiano. 

Cas. What, ho! no watch? no passage? murder! murder! 

Ora. 'Tis some mischance ; the cry is very direful. 

Cas. O, help! 

Lod. Hark! 40 

Bod. O wretched villain! 

Lod. Two or three groan: it is a heavy^ night: 
These may be counterfeits : let's think't 'unsafe 
To come in to the cry without more help. 

Bod. Nobody come? then shall I bleed to death. 

Lod. Hark! 



Be-enier Iago, wiih a 

Ora. Here's one comes in his shirt, with light and 
weapons. 

lago. Who's there? whose noise is this that cries on mur- 
der? 

Lod. We do not know. 

lago. Did not you hear a cry? 

Cas. Here, here! for heaven's sake, help me? 

lago. What's the matter? 50 

€rra. This is Othello's ancient, as I take it. 

Lod. The same indeed; a very valiant fellow. 

lago. What are you here that cry so grievously? 

Cas. lago? O, I am spoil'd, undone by villains! 
Give me some help, 

lago. O me, lieutenant! what villains have done this? 

Cas. I think that one of them is hereabout. 
And cannot make away. 

lago. O treacherous villains! 

What are you there? come in, and give some help. 

[To^Lodovico and Gratiano. 

Bod. O, help me here ! 60 

Cas. That's one of them. 

Lago. O murderous slave ! O villain ! 

[Stabs Boderigo. 

Bod. O damn'd lago! O inhuman dog! 

Lago. Kill men i' the dark! — Where be these bloody 
thieves? — 



504 OTHELLO. [act v. 

How silent is tliis town! — Ho! murder! murder! — 
What may you be? are you of good or evil? 

Lod. As you shall prove us, praise us. 

lago. Signior Lodovico? 

Lod. He, sir. 

lago. I cry you mercy. Here's Cassio hurt by villains. 

Gra. Cassio! 70 

lago. How is't, brother! 

Cas. My leg is cut in two. 

lago. Marry, heaven forbid ! 

Light, gentlemen: I'll bind it with my shirt. 

Enter Biaistca. 

Bian. What is the matter, ho? who is't that cried? 

lago. Who is't that cried ! 

Bian. O my dear Cassio ! my sweet Cassio ! 
O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio! 

lago. O notable strumpet! Cassio, may you suspect 
Who they should be that have thus mangled j^ou? 

Cas. No. 80 

Gra. I am sorry to find you thus: I have been to seek 
you. 

lago. Lend me a garter. So. O, for a cliair, 
To bear him easily hence! 

Bian. Alas, he faints! O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio! 

lago. Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trash 
To be a party in this injury. 
Patience awhile, good Cassio. Come, come; 
Lend me a light. Know we this face or no? 
Alas, my friend and my dear countryman 
Roderigo! no: — yes, sure: — O heaven! Roderigo. 90 

Gra. What, of Venice ? 

lago. Even he, sir : did you know him? 

Gra. Know himl ay. 

lago. Signior Gratiano ? I cry you gentle pardon ; 
These bloody accidents must excuse my manners, 
That so neglected you. 

Gj^a. I am glad to see you. 

lago. How do you, Cassio? O, a cliair, a chair! 

Gra. Roderigo! 

lago. He, he, 'tis he. [A cliair brought m.] O, that's well 
said; the chair. 
Some good man bear him carefully from hence ; 
I'll fetch the general's surgeon. \^To Bianca'] For you, mis- 
tress, " 100 
Save you your labour. He that lies slain here, Cassio, 
Was my dear friend: what malice was between you? 



SCENE II.] OTHELLO. 505 

Gas. None in the world; nor do I know the man. 

lago. [To Bian.} What, look you pale? O, bear him out 
o' tlie air. [Cassio and Roderigo are borne off. 

Stay you, good gentlemen. Look you pale, mistress? 
Do you perceive the gastness of her eye? 
Kay, if you stare, we shall hear more anon. 
Behold her well; I pray 3'ou, look upon her: 
Do you see, gentlemen? nay, guiltiness will speak, 
Though tongues were out of use. 110 

Enter Emilia. 

Emil. 'Las, what's the matter? what's the matter, hus- 
band? 

lago. Cassio hath here been set on in the dark 
By Roderigo and fellows that are scaped: 
He's almost slain, and Roderigo dead. 

Emil. Alas, good gentleman! alas, good Cassio! 

lago. This is the fruit of whoring. Prithee, Emilia, 
Go know of Cassio where he supp'd tp-night. 
[To Bianca] What, do you shake at that? 

Bian. He supp'd at my house ; but I therefore shake not. 

lago. O, did he so? I charge you, go with me. 120 

Emil. Fie, fie upon thee, strumpet! 

Bian. I am no strumpet; but of life as honest 
As yon that thus abuse me. 

Emil. As I ! f oh ! fie upon thee ! 

lago. Kind gentlemen, let's go see poor Cassio dress'd. 
Come, mistress, you must tell's another tale. 
Emilia, run you to the citadel. 
And tell my lord and lady what hath happ'd. 
Will you go on? I pray. [Asid£\ This is the night 
That either makes me or fordoes me quite. [Exeunt. 



Scene II. A hedchamher in the castle; Desdemona in bed 

asleep; a light burning. 

Enter Othello. 

0th. It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul, — 
Let me not name it to you, you chaste stars! — 
It is the cause. Yet I'll not shed her blood ; 
Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow, 
And smooth as monumental alabaster. 
Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. 
Put out the light, and then put out the light: 
If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, 
I can again thy former light restore, 



506 OTHELLO. [act v. 

Should I repent me : but once put out thy light, 10 

Thou cunning'st pattern of excelling nature, 

I know not where is that Promethean heat 

That can thy light relume. When I have pluck'd the rose, 

I cannot give it vital growth again, 

It must needs wither:. I'll smell it on the tree. 

[Kissing her. 
Ah, balmy breath, that dost almost persuade 
Justice to break her sword! One more, one m.ore. 
Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee. 
And love thee after. One more, and this the last: 
So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep, 20 

But they are cruel tears: this sorrow's heavenly; 
It strikes where it doth love. She wakes. 

Des. Who's there? Othello? 

0th. Ay, Desdemona. 

Des. Will you come to bed, my lord? 

0th. Have you pray 'd to-night, Desdemona? 

Des. Ay, my lord. 

0th. If you bethink yourself of any crime 
Unreconciled as yet to heaven and grace, 
Solicit for it straight. 

Des. Alas, my lord, what do you mean by that? 

0th. Well, do it, and be brief; I will walk by: 80 

I would not kill thy unprepared spirit ; 
No; heaven forfend! I would not kill thy soul. 

Des. Talk you of killmg? 

0th. Ay, I do. 

Des. Then heaven 

Have mercy on me ! 

0th. Amen, with all my heart! 

Des. If you say so, I hope you will not kill me. - 

0th. Hum! 

Des. And yet I fear you; for you are fatal then 
When your eyes roll so: why I should fear I know not, 
Since guiltiness I know not; but yet I feel I fear, 

0th. Think on thy sins. 

Des. They are loves I bear to you, 40 

0th. Ay, and for that thou diest. 

Des. That death's unnatural that kills for loving, 
Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip? 
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame: 
These are portents ; but yet I hope, I hope. 
They do not point on me. 

0th. Peace, and be stilll 

Des. I will so. What's the matter? 



SCENE II.] OTHELLO. 507 

OtJi. That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee 
Thou gavest to Cassio. 

Bes. No, by my life and soul ! 

Send for the man, and ask him. 

0th. Sweet soul, take heed, 50 

Take heed of perjury; thou art on thy death-bed. 

Bes. Ay, but not yet to die. 

0th. . Yes, presently: 

Therefore confess thee freely of thy sin ; 
For to deny each article with oath 
Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception 
That I do groan withal. Thou art to die. 

Bes. Then Lord have mercy on me ! 

0th. I say, amen. 

Bes. And have you mercy too ! I never did 
Offend you in my life ; never loved Cassio 
But with such general warranty of heaven 60 

As I might love; I never gave him token. 

0th. By heaven, I saw my handkerchief in's hand. 

perjured woman ! thou dost stone my heart, 
And makest me call what I intend to do 

A murder, which I thought a sacrifice : 

1 saw the handkerchief. 

Bes. He found it then; 

I never gave it him: send for him hither; 
Let him confess a truth. 

0th. He hath confess'd. 

Bes. What, my lord? 

0th. That he hath used thee. 

Bes. How? unlawfully? 

0th. Ay. 70 

Bes. He will not say so. 

0th. ISTo, his mouth is stopp'd ; 

Honest lago hath ta'en order for't. 

Bes. Oh ! my fear interprets : what, is he dead ? 

0th. Had all his hairs been lives, my great revenge 
Had stomach for them all. 

Bes. Alas! he is betray'd and I undone. 

0th. Out, strumpet! weep'st thou for him to my face? 

J)es. O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not! 

0th. Down, strumpet! 

Bes. Kill me to-morrow: let me live to-night! 80 

0th. Nay, if you strive, — 

Bes. But half an hour ! 

0th. Being done, there is no pause. 

Bes. But while I say one prayer! 



508 OTHELLO. [act v. 

0th. It is too late. 

l^He stifles her. 

Emil. [^Withiri] My lord, my lord! what, ho! my lord, 
my lord! 

0th. What noise is this? Not dead? not yet quite dead? 
I that am cruel am yet merciful ; 
I would not have thee linger in thy pain : 
So, so. 

Emil. [ Within\ What, ho : my lord, my lord ! 

0th. Who's there? 

Emil. {Withiii] O, good my lord, I would speak a word 
with you ! 90 

0th. Yes : 'tis Emilia. By and by. She's dead. 
'Tis like she comes to speak of Cassio's death. — 
The noise was here. Ha! no more moving? 
Still as the grave. Shall she come in? were't good? — 
I think she stirs again: — no. What's best. to do? 
If she come in, she'll sure speak to my wife : 
My wife! my wife! what wife? I have no wife: 
O, insupportable! O heavy hour! 
Methinks it should be now a huge eclipse 
Of sun and moon, and that the affrighted globe 
Should yawn at alteration. 100 

Emil. [ ^ithiii] I do beseech you 

That I may speak with you, O, good my lord ! 

0th. I had forgot thee: O, come in, Emilia: 
Soft; by and by. Let me the curtains draw. 
Where art thou? [ Unlocks the door. 

Enter Emilia. 

What's the matter with thee now? 

Emil. O, my good lord, yonder's foul murders done! 

Oth. What, now? 

Emil. But now, my lord. 

Oth. It is the very error of the moon; 
She comes more nearer earth than the was wont, 110 

And makes men mad. 

Emil. Cassio, my lord, hath kill'd a young Venetian 
Called Roderigo. 

Oth. Roderigo kill'd! 

And Cassio kill'd! 

Erml, No, Cassio is not kill'd. 

Oth. Not Cassio kill'd ! then murder's out of tune, 
And sweet revenge grows harsh. 

Des. O, falsely, falsely murder'd ! 

Emil. Alas, what cry is that? 

Oth. That! what? 



SCENE II.] OTHELLO. 509 

Emil. Out, and alas! that was my lady's voice. 
Help! help, ho! help! O lady, speak again! 120 

Sweet Desdemona! O sweet mistress, speak! 

Des. A guiltless death I die. 

Ernil. O, who hath done this deed? 

Des. Nobod}'-; I myself. Farewell: commend me to my 
kind lord : O, farewell ! {^Dies. 

0th. Why, how should she be murder'd? 

Emil. Alas, who knows? 

0th. You heard her say herself, it was not I. 

Emil. She said so : I must needs report the truth. 

0th. She's, like a liar, gone to burning hell: 
'Twas I that kill'd her. 

Emil. O, the more angel she, 130 

And you the blacker devili 

0th. She turned to folly, and she was a whore. 

Emil. Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil. 

0th. She was false as water. 

Emil. Thou art rash as fire, to say 

That she was false: O, she was heavenly true! 

0th. Cassio did top her; ask thy husband else. 
O, I were damn'd beneath all depth in hell. 
But that I did proceed upon just grounds 
To this extremity. Thy husband knew it all, 

Emil. My husband! 140 

0th. Thy husband. 

Emil. That she was false to wedlock? 

0th. Ay, with Cassio. Nay, had she been true, 
If heaven would make me such another world 
Of one entire and perfect chrysolite, 
I'ld not have sold her for it. ^ 

Emil. My husband ! 

0th. Ay, 'twas he that told me first : 

An honest man he is, and hates the slime 
That sticks on filthy deeds. 

Emil. My husband ! 

0th. Y/hat needs this iteration, woman? I^ay thy hus- 
band, 150 

Emil. O mistress, villany hath made mocks with love ! 
My husband say that she was false ! 

0th. He, woman; 

I say thy husband: dost understand the word? 
My friend, thy husband, honest, honest lago. 

Emil. If he say so, may his pernicious soul 
Rot half a grain a day ! he lies to the heart : 
She was too fond of her most filthy bargain. 

0th. Ha! 



510 OTHELLO. [act v. 

Emil. Do thy worst: 
This deed of thine is no more worthy heaven 160 

That thou wast worthy her. 

Otli. Peace,, yon were best, 

EmiL Thou hast not half that power to do me harm 
As I have to be hurt. O gull! O dolt! 
As ignorant as dirt! thou hast done a deed — ■ 
I care not for thy sword; I'll make thee known, 
Though I lost twenty lives. — Help! help, ho! help I 
The Moor hath kill'd my mistress! Murder! murder J 

Enter Montano, Geatiano, Iago,. and others, 

ifon. What ia the matter? How now, general! 

Emil, O, are you come, Iago? you have done well,. 
That men must "lay their murders on your neck. 170 

Gra, What is the matter? 

Emil. Disprove this villain, if thou be'st a mani 
He says thou told'st him that his wife was false: 
I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain : 
Speak, for my heart is full, 

Iago.- I told him what I thought,, and told no more 
Than what he found himself was apt and true. 

Emil, But did you ever tell him she was false ? 

Iago, I did. 

Emil. You told a lie; an odious,, damned liej 180 

Upon my soul, a lie, a wicked lie. 
She false with Cassio! — did you say with ©assio? 

Iago. With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongue, 

Emil. I will not charm my tongue ; I am bound to speak : 
My mistress here lies murder'd in her bed, — 

All. O heavens f orf end ! 

Emil. And your reports have set the murder on. 

0th. ITay, stare not, masters : it is true, indeed, 

Gra. 'Tis a strange truth, 

Mon. O monstrous act! 

EmiL Villany, villany, villanyf 190 

I think upon't, I think: I smell't: O villany! — 
I thought so then: — I'll kill myself for grief: — 
O villany, villany! 

Iago. What, are you mad? I charge you, get 5^ou home. 

Ewdl. Grood gentlemen, let me have leave to speak: 
"Fis proper I obey him, but not now. 
Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home. 

0th. O! 0! O! {He falls on the hed. 

Emil. Nay, lay thee down and roar; 

For thou hast kill'd the sweetest innocent 
That e'er did lift up eye. 



SCENE II.] OTHELLO. 511 

0th. {Rising] O, she was foul! 200 

I scarce did know you, uncle ; there lies your niece, 
Whose breath, indeed, these hands have newly stopp'd: 
I know this act shows horrible and grim, 

Gra. Poor Desdemona! 1 am glad thy father's dead: 
Thy match was mortal to him, and pure grief 
Shore his old thread in twain,- did he live now, 
This sight would make him do a desperate turn, 
Yea, curse his better angel from his side, 
And fall to reprobation. 

0th. 'Tis pitiful; but yet lago knows 210 

That she with Cassio hath the act of shame 
A thousand times committed; Cassio confess'd it; 
And she did gratify his amorous works 
With that recognizance and pledge of love 
Which I first gave her; I saw it in his hand: 
It was a handkerchief, an antique token 
My father gave my mother. 

Emil. O heaven! O heavenly powers! 

lago. Come, hold your peace. 

Emil. 'Twill out, 'twill out: I peace! 

jSTo, I will speak as liberal as the north; 220 

Let heaven and men and devils, let them all, 
All, all, cry shame against me, yet I'll speak. 

lago. Be wise, and get you home. 

Emil. I will not. 

\Iago offers to stab Emilia. 

Ova. . Fie! 

Your sword upon a woman? 

Emil. O thou dull Moor! that handkerchief thou speak'st 

of 
I found by fortune and did give my husband; 
For often, with a solemn earnestness, 
More than indeed belong'd to such a trifle, 
He begg'd of me to steal it. 

lago. Yillanous whore ! 229 

Emil. She give it Cassio ! no, alas ! I found it, 
And I did give't my husband. 

lago. Filth, thou liest! 

Emil. By heaven, I do not, I do not, gentlemen. 
O murderous coxcomb ! what should such a fool 
Do with so good a woman? 

0th. Are there no stones in heaven 

But what serve for the thunder? — Precious villain : 

[He runs at lago: lago, from 'behind, siahs Emelia, and 

evit. 

Gra. The woman falls; sure, he hath kiU'd his wife. 



512 OTHELLO. [act v. 

Emit. Ay, ay: O, lay me by my mistress' side, 

Gra. He's gone, but his wife's kill'd. 

Mon. 'Tis a notorious villain. Take you this weapon, 
Which I have here recover'd from the Moor- 240 

Come, guard the door without; let him not pass. 
But kill him rather. I'll after that same villain. 
For 'tis a damned slave. \ Exeunt Montana and Gratiano. 

Otli. I am not valiant neither. 

But every puny whipster gets my sword : 
But why should honour outlive honesty? 
Let it go all. 

Emil. What did thy song bode, lady? 
Hark, canst thou hear me? I will play the swan. 
And die in music. [Singing] Willow, willow, willow. — 
Moor, she w^as chaste; she loved thee, cruel Moor; 
So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true; 250 

So speaking as I think, I die, I die. [Dies. 

0th. I have another weapon in this chamber; 
It is a sword of Spain, the ice-brook's temper; — 
O, here it is. Uncle, I must come forth. 

Gra. [Within'] If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear*. 
Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must suffer. 

0th. Look in upon me then and speak with me, 
Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee. 

Re-enter Gratiano. 

Gra. What is the matter? 

0th. Behold, I have a weapon ; 

A better never did itself sustain 260 

Upon a soldier's thigh : I have seen the day, 
That, with this little arm and this good sword, 
I have made my way through more impediments 
Than twenty times your stop: but, O vain boast! 
Who can control his fate? 'tis not so now. 
Be not afraid, though you do see me weapon'd; 
Here is my journey's end, here is my butt, 
And very sea-mark of my utmost sail. 
Do you go back dismay'd? 'tis a lost fear; 
Man but a rush against Othello's breast, . 270 

And he retires. Where should Othello go? 
Kow, how dost thou look now? O ill-starr'd wench! 
Pale as thy smock! when we shall meet at compt, 
This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven. 
And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl! 
Even like thy chastity. O cursed slave! 
Whip me, ye devils. 
From the possession of this heavenly sight! 



SCENE II.] OTHELLO. 513 

Blow me about in winds! roast me in sulphur I 

Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid fire ! 280 

Desdemona! Desdemona! dead! 

Oh! Oh! Oh! 

Enter Lodovico, Montano, Cassio carried in a chair, and 
Officers witli Iago, prisoner. 

Lod. Where is this rash and most unfortunate man ? 

0th. That's he that was Othello: here I am. 

Lod. Where is that viper? bring the villain forth. 

0th. I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable. 
If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee. [Wounds Iago 

Lod. Wrench his sword fromJiim. 

Iago. I bleed, sir; but not kill'd. 

0th. I am not soiTy neither: I'ld have thee live; 
For, in my sense, 'tis happiness to die. 290 

Lod. O thou Othello, that wert once so good, 
Fall'n in the practice of a damned slave, 
What shall be said to thee? 

0th. Why, any thing: 

An honourable murderer, if you will; 
For nought I did in hate, but all in honour. 

Lod. This wretch hath part confess'd his villany: 
Did you and he consent in Cassio's death? 

0th. Ay. 

Cas. Dear general, I never gave you cause. 

0th. I do believe it, and I ask your pardon. 300 

Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil 
Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body? 

Iago. Demand me nothing : what you know, you know : 
From this time forth I never will speak word. 

Lod. What, not to pray? 

Ora. Torments will ope your lips. 

OtJi. Well, thou dost best. 

Lod: Sir, you shall understand what hath befall'n, 
Which, as I think, you know not. Here is a letter 
Found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo ; 
And here another: the one of them imports 310 

The death of Cassio to be undertook 
By Roderigo. 

0th. O villain ! 

Cas. Most heathenish and most gross ! 

Lod. Now here's another discontented paper. 
Found in his pocket too; and this, it seems, 
Roderigo meant to have sent this damned villain ; 
But that belike Iago in the interim 
Came in and satisfied him. 
shak. in.— 17 



514 O'UlEijLiO. [ACT V. 

0th. O the pernicious caitiff ! 

How came you, Cassio, by that handkerchief 
That was my wife's? 

Cas. I found it in my chamber: 320 

And he himself confess'd but even now 
That there he dropp'd it for. a special purpose 
Which wrought to his desire. 

0th. Ofool! fool! fool! 

Cas. There is besides in Roderigo's letter, 
How he upbraids lago, that he made him 
Brave me upon the watch; whereon it came 
That I was cast : and even but now he spake, 
After long seeming dead, lago hurt him, 
lago set him on. 

Lod. You must forsake this room, and go with us : 330 
Your power and ^our command is taken off. 
And Cassio rules in Cyprus. For this slave. 
If there be any cunning cruelty 
That can torment him much and hold him long, 
It shall be his. You shall close prisoner rest, " 
Till that the nature of your fault be known 
To the Venetian state. Come, bring him away. 

0th. Soft you; a word or two before you go. 
I have done the state some service, and they know't. 
No more of that. I pray you, in your letters, 340 

When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, 
Speak of me as I am ; nothing extenuate, 
Nor set down aught in malice : then must you speak 
Of one that loved not wisely but too well; 
Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought 
Perplex'd in the extreme ; of one whose hand, 
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away 
Richer than allhis tribe; of one whose subdued eyes. 
Albeit unused to the melting mood, 

Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees 350 

Their medicinal gum. Set you down this; 
And say besides, that in Aleppo once, 
Where a malignant and a turban'd Turk 
Beat a Venetian and traduced the state, 
I took by the throat the circumcised dog. 
And smote him, thus. ^Stahs himself. 

Lod. O bloody period! 

Gra. All that's spoke is marr'd. 

0th. I kiss'd thee ere I kill'd thee: no waj^ but this; 
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. 

[Falls on thebed^ and dies. 



SCENE ir.] OTHELLO. 515 

Cas. This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon ; 
For he was great of heart. 

Lod. [ To lago] O Spartan dog, 361 

More fell than anguish, hunger, or the sea! 
Look on the tragic loading of this bed ; 
This is thy work: the object poisons sight; 
Let it be hid. Gratiano, keep the house, 
And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor, 
For they succeed on you. To you, lord governor, 
Remains the censure of this hellish villain; 
The time, the place, the torture* O, enforce it! 
Myself will straight abroad ; and to the state 370 

This heavy act with heavy heart relate. 



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